Rise of a Football God

"Sam, you were absolutely incredible today! Despite facing an in-form Liverpool team, you were able to put in the goods for Fulham again, being the stand-out player, pushing your team to win the game".

"Today, you scored the first freekick goal of your career".

"Recently, in every game, it feels like you will soon break one record or another. The other day against Liverpool in the EFL Cup, you broke 2 personal records, scoring your first header goal and a bicycle kick goal".

"Today again, against the same Liverpool, you broke another personal record, scoring your first freekick goal," the female reporter smiled. "Is it that you just have a thing for breaking records or is it a persona beef with Liverpool?"

Hearing that question, Sam smiled bashfully, scratching his black hair. "Nah, I don't think it's as deep as a beef with Liverpool," he chuckled. "I think when playing against big opponents, I just become more determined to win".

"The same thing happened with Manchester City. Despite the fact that I was still playing for Enyimba then, I just wanted to do something, anything".

His smile widened. "Well, I got a hattrick to show for it".

"Against Liverpool the first time, I managed to book a spot in the final of the EFL Cup for my team. As for today," he grinned. "3 points bagged so yes, I feel great, you don't need to ask first".

"Honestly Sam, to majority of premier league ball watchers, the result of this game is a major shocker".

"Nobody saw Liverpool losing, not after the 3-horse race for the title is ramping up at the top".

The female reporter looked at him. "Between Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, after today's result, who do you think will win the premier league title this season?"

Sam scratched his hair. "This season, Manchester City is still Manchester City, you just can't write them off no matter what period of the season we're in".

"Also, it's clear that Arsenal already built on the failures of last season. This season, they're stronger, it doesn't feel like they'll bottle the title race again".

"As for Liverpool, you just can't write them off too. Under Jurgen Klopp, they've created miracles over the years and with the news that the German coach will be stepping down after this season, I believe the Liverpool players will be even more determined to win the title for their coach".

"Honestly, despite the fact that I acknowledge the effort we put into winning, I still feel that we were favored by a bit of luck".

"Well, I'll accept it though," he grinned. "Like they say, fortune favors the bold and I guess luck is a fortune too".

"What I want to say is that Liverpool has a stake to the title as much as their other 2 challengers. Mohamed Salah is still out injured and they're playing like this".

"Just imagine when the Egyptian King is back, Liverpool will be unstoppable".

"Anyways, I wish all 3 of them luck. All I have to say is that next season," his eyes gleamed. "I promise you; Fulham will be challenging for the title too!"

"Woah Sam! That's a big promise!"

Sam looked at the reporter. "Mark my words! We'll challenge for the title!"

With that, the interview finally came to an end. Somehow, the reporter failed to notice that Sam never answered the question she asked.

Sam didn't take this interview for winning the man of the match award, Trent Alexander-Arnold won it. Rather, he simply represented his team in place of his captain today, facing the media.

After the game, Trent Alexander-Arnold also stood before the media with a glum expression on his face.

"Trent, how do you feel? You played amazing out there today. You contributed to all 3 of your team's goals and somehow, that was still not enough to win the game, do you think this will affect Liverpool's title bid?"

Trent Alexander-Arnold faced the reporter. "To me, it's just a stumbling block in our title bid but we're used to facing obstacles".

"I just want our rivals to know that we won't give up!"

"We will keep on fighting, till the very end".

…

After the game, taking his gray Lexus IS 350, after signing some autographs and taking pictures with fans, Sam finally drove off.

When he arrived at his hotel though, he noticed a familiar car enter through the hotel gate just before him. He recognized that car.

'Is that…?'

As soon as Sam parked his car, coming out, he finally confirmed his guess as someone stood waiting for him just outside his car.

Sam smiled brightly. "Kayla right? I saw you at the game".

"You remember my name, I'm glad". Kayla Banks smiled brightly. "And yes, I was at the game, I promised you I would attend your club's next game, right?"

Sam chuckled. "So, how was it? Did you enjoy it?"

Kayla stared at him incredulously. "Are you serious?!"

Sam laughed. "So?"

"Really funny," she laughed half-heartedly. "I really feel like deflating your ego right now but I can't, Sam, you were amazing!"

"Against Liverpool?"

"I never saw it coming," she gushed. "I just came to watch the game out of curiosity, to see you play, I never expected to be treated to such a thriller".

"In hindsight, I'm glad I went, I would have missed out on such an unforgettable memory".

She looked at him. "Are you busy?"

"Not really, I just need to rest, you know to recover and all that".

"That's fine!" She grabbed his arm. "Come on, I'll celebrate your victory with you! Have you tasted the hotel restaurant's food? They're nice".

"Yeah, but…"

"Don't worry, it's on me! You don't need to be shy!"

In the end, Sam could not reject the act of goodwill from this girl. Kayla dragged him to the restaurant where they enjoyed a good Japanese cuisine, one she personally recommended, stepping it down with a nice wine.

As they feasted, they engaged in a conversation as they got to know each other more. Kayla was a model and having gotten a contract with a cosmetics company here in Fulham, she was here on a modelling photoshoot.

Sam spent up to 2 hours with this girl before finally excusing himself. He didn't want his parents to worry more, it was already long past their video call time.

He exchanged contacts with Kayla before leaving.

And with that, Sam did what he was supposed to do after getting home, bath, have a video call session with his family, and sleep to rest.

When Sam woke up, he got a message from his manager.

Fulham's next fixture.

(Premier league:)

(Fulham – Crystal Palace)

(Date: 27th April 2024)