I sat in the neighborhood with my friend Paolo as we waited to get ready for school we also heard that scouts had come to our school. Oblivious to the fact about which leagues they were from we were both absolutely happy. Paolo idolized Paolo Maldini whilst I loved how Pirlo and how he played. We both loved Football and AC Milan was our favorite team. Once we reached the field I could already taste the atmosphere was filled with fear. I turned my head to the right to speak to Paolo.
" Who do you think is scouting us Paolo?" I asked simply my curiosity got the better of me.
No response from Paolo made me confused and wonder why there was a red and black badge there. Wait that was AC Milan's badge I had to impress him or face failure. The game started out fine but in the 57 Minute one of the opposition players found himself at the edge of the box and finessed the ball beautifully down in the bottom corner out of the goalie's reach. Sigh 1-0 down we had to climb our way back into the game inch by inch me and my teammate Havier were connecting passes quickly not missing a beat and as Havier made a run into the box I played it on a silver platter to him and he chipped it over the goalkeeper. I ran and desperately hugged him. Yes! I thought it was possible 1-1. It was now the 89th' minute and Paolo in defense had been playing like prime Maldini at AC Milan. Suddenly one of the opposing players fouled Havier outside the box to give us a free kick, I stood by the ball all the pressure and people watching me waiting to see what would happen. I hit the ball with a slight curve as it trailed over the wall and began making its travel towards the goal and the goalie started to move trying to reach and get the ball away from the net but he wasn't close enough as it hit top corner and there wasn't any time left for the opposing team to start another attack. Everyone on my team was shaking with energy you would think that they could cause an earthquake. One of the scouts approached Paolo and it turned out to be the AC Milan scout I had seen earlier. I tried to get his attention but he just ignored me saying that I didn't track back enough and that they didn't need any more attacking or midfield players. Stunned and angry at the comments I sat by the little bench demoralized when another scout walked by and asked me for my name.
" Francesco my name is Francesco, what do you want." He politely put his hand out as a way of greeting me. He then continued.
" I work as a scout for Real Madrid and I couldn't help but realize how amazing your talent is. You worked so hard along with that other kid who you kept passing the ball to. Do you know if he's still here ?I would like you to sign for our academy." Bewildered, shocked are just a few ways to describe how I was feeling. I turned around and began to scream out for Havier luckily for me he turned around and asked what I wanted.
" It's a scout from Real Madrid he wants to know if me and you want to sign for their academy." He rushed to where me and the scout were sitting and we both signed the contract. We were sent home to begin packing for the trip to Madrid, oh how I love today.
