𝐀 𝐁𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐬︱Pablo Gavi

125: well deserved escape

The start of June arrived with a mixture of relief and anticipation. The intense training sessions and the emotional toll of recent matches had taken their toll on both the team and myself. Pablo and I were ready for a break, a chance to recharge and find some peace away from the constant grind of football.

We spent the days leading up to our trip preparing for our much-anticipated vacation. The prospect of five days in the Maldives followed by another five in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, was a welcome escape. It felt like the perfect opportunity to unwind and reconnect.

Pablo and I spent hours packing, carefully choosing outfits for both the tropical beaches and the various activities we had planned. We organized swimwear, casual clothes for day outings, and a few nicer outfits for dinners. The excitement of the upcoming trip was palpable, and we both felt a sense of relief as we packed our bags.

Throughout the packing process, Pablo was full of energy, frequently pausing to talk about how excited he was. "I can't wait for us to just relax and enjoy ourselves," he said, folding a shirt with a grin. "It feels like we've been running on empty for too long."

I nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean. It's going to be amazing to have some time to just focus on us and not worry about anything else."

Pablo had made a promise to Xavi that he would return to training with renewed focus and energy. He was determined to work harder and make up for the recent setback. "I've got a plan to get even better," he said confidently. "I want to come back stronger and more prepared. Xavi will see that I'm committed."

As we packed, Pablo also made sure to complete some last-minute work. He had a few calls to make and some last-minute reports to finish before our departure. It was clear that he was taking his commitment seriously, even as we looked forward to our break.

Our preparation was meticulous. We had our passports and travel documents in order, and I double-checked our itinerary to ensure we had everything we needed. The anticipation of the trip made the days leading up to our departure fly by.

The night before our flight, we spent a quiet evening at home. We took a break from packing to enjoy a simple dinner together, reminiscing about past trips and discussing what we were most looking forward to on this one. Pablo talked about the activities he wanted to try in Vietnam, and I shared my excitement about the serene beaches of the Maldives.

As we relaxed, Pablo pulled me close. "I'm really looking forward to this," he said softly. "It feels like it's just what we need."

I smiled, feeling the same sense of anticipation. "Me too. It's going to be perfect. A real chance for us to unwind and make some amazing memories."

With our bags packed and everything in order, we went to bed early, eager for the adventure that awaited us. The next day, we would be flying out to start our journey, and we both felt a mixture of excitement and calm. The Maldives and Phu Quoc were just around the corner, and we were ready to embrace the relaxation and joy that came with our much-deserved getaway.