Part Four

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Rene takes me down many corridors inside Carrington.
"The boss was watching did you see?". I don't even know who the ladies team manager is but I nod anyway.
"You have done very well, the boss wants to meet and speak with you, personally I think you will be fantastic at United but I'm afraid it's upto him".
Oh my god. He thinks I'm good enough if all else fails I'll be happy just because of that. "Although you are a very big risk, but huge for the club". He's talking like I'm the best in the world I've seen the ladies team and they are all fantastic. I don't understand why I am a risk... and why I would be big for the club? Why me? Why am I so special?. "The gaffer will see you now, good luck. I hope I will see you again". I smile and shake his hand. "Thank you,Rene".
I enter a huge office.
Oh my.....
It can't be....
"Hello Karia, I'm Sir Alex, it's lovely to meet you". He shakes my hand. I can't even get out small talk, I just smile.
"Please, sit down".
I sit in the chair right in front of the desk.
"Well Karia, I am very impressed. You showed excellent skill and control during the trials in Cork. Ed Skype called me and I saw the whole thing. All I will say it wow".
I'm lost for words.
I open my mouth but nothing comes out.
"Then today, I was in the upstairs gallery, watching. You were incredible. I am very pleased".
"Now for business, you are finished school yes?"
"Yes sir, since last week".
"Fantastic! We were afraid we'd have to wait till you were finished but this makes the process easier".
"Sir Alex, sorry to ask but I'm a bit confused. I didn't know you were the Ladies' team manager aswell"
He laughs a little to himself.
"No dear, I want you on my team, my first team. That's why you are a risk".
I scream are you drunk in my head but it's comes out of my mouth aswell.
He laughs out loud.
"No dear, I'm serious. You are fantastic. You are worth the risk. We have gotten permission from the FA and they cannot wait for your reveal"
I choke on my breath.
"What, oh my god".
He nods.
"Oh my god". I repeat.
He laughs again.
"I like you already".
My life has changed now and forever.
College is out the window.
I'm going to be a Manchester United Player.
*
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*
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After my parents arrive and are told the news and give the same reaction as me, I sign on the dotted line.
I am now a player for Manchester United.
"We are delighted to have you here Karia, we must now decide what number shirt you will play in".
Immediately the number nine comes to mind.
"If nine is available, I would be honoured".
"It's available alright, and waiting for your body to fill it".
The staff print my name on the jersery, K.Crowe, on the back above 9, such am iconic number I am so lucky.
*
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I must return home and organise my departure to England.
It's had packing to leave my family but I know I am going home.
My mother will stay with my for a week to get settled and then she will return home to Ireland.
I am turning 19 in October so I must grow up and live on my own.
I say my goodbyes to friends and family but they know it's not forever.
Everyone is so proud of me.
The gaffer has told me that the media will be informed when I am on the plane and that I am not allowed to tell anyone outside my family and close friends.
When I arrive at the airport I am told I will not be traveling by plane but by helicopter. I am living the dream.
When we arrive in Manchester I am greeted by flashes and reporters. Me and my mother are escorted to a car where are driven to the country side. United have bought me a house, yes a house.
I get out of the car and walk up to the door and open the door...........

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