The King Of Arsenal

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As he turned off the console, Francesco felt a renewed sense of purpose. His virtual self might be a 67 overall now, but he was determined to outgrow that in reality. The day off had been a welcome break, but tomorrow, he'd be back on the pitch, working harder than ever to make his mark on the Premier League.

As the warm afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, Francesco stood in his room, stretching and cracking his knuckles after hours of intense gaming. The FIFA 15 session had been a perfect way to unwind, but now the idea of spending time outdoors with his parents sounded appealing. It wasn't often he got to spend uninterrupted moments with them since joining Arsenal's first team. The demands of training, travel, and matches had consumed much of his time.

Pulling on a comfortable hoodie and sneakers, Francesco grabbed his phone and headed downstairs, where his mom, Sarah, was waiting by the door. She wore a light cardigan, her face lit with excitement.

"Ready, sweetheart?" she asked, slipping her bag over her shoulder.

"Yeah, let's go," Francesco replied, smiling.

Mike was already by the car, his casual demeanor matched by the ever-present confidence in his posture. "Thought you were going to back out for another game session," he teased, opening the car door.

"Not a chance," Francesco retorted, laughing. "Besides, I owe you both some quality time."

The short drive to the park was filled with light-hearted conversation. Sarah brought up a few of Francesco's childhood antics, much to his mock embarrassment, while Mike threw in his dry humor to keep the mood light.

When they arrived, the park was buzzing with activity. Children laughed as they chased each other around the playground, joggers passed by with determined expressions, and families picnicked under the shade of sprawling trees. The sight was comforting to Francesco, a reminder of the simple joys of life that could so easily be forgotten amidst the high-pressure world of professional football.

They started their walk along a gravel path lined with blooming flowers. Sarah linked arms with Francesco, her gaze drifting to the serene surroundings. "It's so beautiful here. Remember when you were little, we used to come here every weekend?"

Francesco nodded, nostalgia warming his chest. "Yeah, I do. I'd run around for hours, and you'd have to drag me home because I didn't want to leave."

Mike chuckled from behind them. "You were like a little energizer bunny. And then you'd pass out in the car, snoring like a bear."

"Snoring?" Francesco feigned indignation. "That's slander."

"Completely true," Sarah chimed in with a laugh.

The path led to a small pond surrounded by benches and ducks waddling along the edge. A young boy stood nearby, tossing breadcrumbs into the water, his father guiding him. Francesco couldn't help but watch the scene with a soft smile.

"Does it feel strange?" Sarah asked, her voice low and gentle. "Balancing all of this? The fame, the pressure, and then coming back to moments like these?"

Francesco paused, considering her words. "It does, sometimes. It's like I'm living two completely different lives. On one side, I'm running out onto the Emirates pitch with thousands of people watching. On the other, I'm just… me, the kid who grew up loving football and hanging out with his parents at the park."

Sarah squeezed his arm. "Well, no matter how big you get, you'll always be that kid to us."

Mike joined them, clapping a hand on Francesco's shoulder. "And that's why it's important to take these breaks. Football is your passion, but this—family, the quiet moments—this is what keeps you grounded."

They continued walking, the conversation light and meandering. Francesco shared anecdotes from training sessions and matches, including a particularly amusing story about one of his teammates accidentally hitting Mikel Arteta with a stray pass during a drill.

As they rounded a bend in the path, they came across an open grassy area where families were playing football with their kids. Francesco's eyes lit up at the sight of a scrappy game between a group of boys and girls.

"Go on," Sarah said, nudging him.

"What?" Francesco feigned ignorance, though the glint in his eye gave him away.

"Go play," Mike said, gesturing toward the field. "It's not every day those kids get to say they played with an Arsenal player."

Francesco laughed but didn't hesitate. He jogged over to the group, who were too engrossed in their game to notice him at first.

"Mind if I join?" he asked, flashing a friendly smile.

The kids froze, their eyes widening as they recognized him. A boy, no older than ten, stammered, "You're… you're Francesco Lee!"

"Guilty," Francesco said with a wink. "Now, whose team needs an extra player?"

What followed was a whirlwind of excitement. The kids were thrilled to have Francesco on their side, and he played with just the right mix of skill and restraint, making sure to pass and encourage the younger players. Laughter echoed across the field as he celebrated a particularly scrappy goal by one of the girls, lifting her into the air like she'd just scored in the World Cup.

From the sidelines, Sarah and Mike watched with pride. "He's so good with them," Sarah remarked, her voice tinged with emotion.

Mike nodded, his usually stoic expression softening. "He gets it. Football isn't just about talent—it's about connection, inspiring others. That's what will make him great."

After a good half hour, Francesco jogged back to his parents, his face flushed but happy. "That was fun," he said, catching his breath.

"You made their day," Sarah said, handing him a bottle of water.

"Probably their month," Mike added with a smirk.

As Francesco sipped from the water bottle his mom handed him, he heard his name being called again. It was faint at first, but it grew louder and more insistent. He turned to see the group of kids he had just played football with jogging toward him, their Arsenal jerseys flapping in the gentle breeze. Each of them was clutching their shirts, their faces lit with hopeful excitement.

"Francesco! Can you sign our jerseys?" the boy who had recognized him earlier called out, breathless but grinning from ear to ear.

Francesco chuckled, setting the water bottle down on a nearby bench. "Of course," he said, stepping forward and crouching slightly to meet them at eye level.

The kids quickly formed a loose line, each holding out their jerseys. Some had permanent markers at the ready, while others sheepishly asked if he had one. Francesco pulled a marker out of his hoodie pocket—something he'd learned to carry with him ever since his rise to fame—and got to work.

"You were really good out there," he said to the first boy, who couldn't have been more than nine years old.

"Thanks!" the boy replied, his cheeks flushing as Francesco signed his shirt. "But you're way better."

Francesco smiled warmly. "Well, I've had a bit more practice, but you keep working hard, and who knows? Maybe one day I'll be asking for your autograph."

The boy's eyes widened at the thought, and he scampered off, clutching his newly signed jersey like it was a treasure. One by one, Francesco signed shirts, chatting briefly with each child. He asked about their favorite players, their positions on the field, and their dreams for the future.

When he got to the girl who had scored the scrappy goal earlier, she hesitated, looking down at her jersey before shyly holding it out.

"You were the star out there," Francesco said as he signed her name on the shirt. "That goal was pure class."

Her face lit up, and she beamed. "Do you really think so?"

"Absolutely. Keep playing like that, and you'll be unstoppable."

As Francesco finished signing the last jersey, he looked up to see a few parents had gathered nearby, snapping photos and watching the scene with smiles of their own. One father approached, holding out his phone. "Sorry to bother you, Francesco, but would you mind taking a picture with the kids? It would mean so much to them."

"Not a problem at all," Francesco replied, standing up and gesturing for the kids to gather around him.

They huddled close, some still clutching their jerseys, others flashing peace signs and wide grins. Francesco knelt slightly so everyone could fit into the frame, throwing an arm around the nearest kid. The father counted down, and the camera clicked, capturing the moment.

"Thank you so much," the father said, shaking Francesco's hand afterward. "You've made their day."

Francesco shrugged modestly. "It's the least I can do. They're the future of the game."

As the kids and their parents began to disperse, Francesco turned back to his own parents, who were watching with unmistakable pride. Sarah's eyes glistened with emotion, and Mike had a faint but approving smile on his face.

"That was beautiful to see," Sarah said as Francesco walked back toward them.

"They were just excited to meet a player," Francesco said, downplaying the moment even as his own heart swelled with joy.

"No, Francesco," Sarah corrected him, placing a hand on his arm. "They weren't just excited to meet a player. They were excited to meet you. You took the time to make them feel special. That's what matters."

Mike nodded. "Your mom's right. Football is more than just a sport—it's about moments like this, connecting with people. You're not just playing for yourself out there; you're inspiring a whole new generation."

Francesco looked down, his father's words sinking in. He had always known the power of football to bring people together, but today had given him a new perspective. It wasn't just about winning matches or lifting trophies—it was about making an impact, no matter how small.

They resumed their walk, this time in comfortable silence, the sun beginning to dip lower in the sky. Francesco's thoughts lingered on the kids, the joy on their faces, and the sheer thrill of being a part of their day. It reminded him of his own childhood, when simply watching his idols on TV had been enough to fuel his dreams.

As they circled back toward the car, Sarah spoke again, breaking the silence. "Do you remember the first time we brought you to see Arsenal play?"

Francesco grinned, the memory vivid in his mind. "How could I forget? I think I spent the whole match standing on my seat, screaming my head off."

"And look at you now," Sarah said, her voice full of wonder. "You're not just watching the game anymore—you're part of it."

Francesco didn't reply immediately, letting her words sink in. It was a surreal thought, one that filled him with both pride and responsibility.

As they reached the car, Mike unlocked it, and they piled in.

As they settled into the car, Francesco leaned back in his seat, letting out a contented sigh. The warmth of the setting sun filtered through the windows, casting a golden hue on everything it touched. He glanced at his mom, who was rubbing her feet with a small grimace. "You okay, Mom?" he asked with a small smile.

"I'm fine, sweetheart," Sarah replied, though her voice betrayed her fatigue. "It's been a long but lovely day."

Francesco looked at her and then at his dad, who was adjusting the rearview mirror. An idea struck him. "How about we get dinner out tonight? No offense, Mom, but you look like you need a break. Let someone else do the cooking."

Sarah hesitated, glancing at Mike, who gave her a knowing look. "You know, he has a point," Mike said. "You've been on your feet all day, and I'm not exactly a Michelin-starred chef."

Sarah chuckled, her shoulders relaxing. "All right, you win. Dinner out it is. But nothing fancy—I'm not dressed for it."

"Don't worry, Mom," Francesco said. "I'm thinking somewhere cozy. There's that Italian place near the park, right? La Piccola Trattoria?"

Mike nodded as he started the car. "Good choice. It's close, and they make a mean carbonara."

The drive to the restaurant was short, and the late-afternoon sun had mellowed into a warm glow. By the time they arrived, the small Italian eatery was bathed in soft golden light. The restaurant was charming, with its rustic wooden tables, checkered tablecloths, and the faint aroma of garlic and herbs wafting out to greet them.

As they stepped inside, a cheerful waitress welcomed them, her accent hinting at her Italian roots. "Buona sera! Table for three?" she asked, grabbing a couple of menus.

"Yes, please," Mike replied, holding the door open for Sarah.

They were led to a cozy corner table by a window, where Francesco could see the remnants of the sunset painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. He pulled out a chair for his mom before taking a seat himself.

"This place is adorable," Sarah said, glancing around. "It feels like we've been transported straight to Italy."

"Wait till you taste the food," Mike said, already perusing the menu. "They do the classics justice here."

The waitress returned with glasses of water and a warm smile. "Can I start you off with something to drink?"

Francesco ordered a sparkling water, while Mike opted for a glass of red wine and Sarah chose a refreshing limoncello spritz. As the waitress walked away, Sarah turned to Francesco. "So, Mr. Superstar, what's the plan for tomorrow? Training?"

"Yeah," Francesco said, nodding. "Morning session, then probably reviewing some match footage with the team. But I'll be home by dinner."

Mike raised an eyebrow. "You sure you don't have some event or photoshoot lined up? Seems like they've got you running on fumes lately."

Francesco chuckled. "Nope, just football tomorrow. And honestly, after today, I think I'll need the quiet."

The waitress returned with their drinks and a basket of fresh bread accompanied by olive oil and balsamic vinegar. As they sipped and nibbled, they debated their meal choices. Sarah eventually settled on a creamy mushroom risotto, Mike chose a classic lasagna, and Francesco couldn't resist the seafood linguine.

When their meals arrived, the table fell silent for a few moments, each of them savoring the rich flavors. The pasta in Francesco's dish was perfectly al dente, the seafood fresh and bursting with flavor. He twirled a forkful of linguine, relishing the simple yet exquisite dish.

"This is exactly what I needed," Sarah said, breaking the silence. "Comfort food after a day of walking and chasing after you two."

Mike smirked. "Hey, I wasn't the one signing autographs and playing football."

"True," Sarah replied, glancing at Francesco. "That was a highlight of the day, though. Those kids will never forget it."

Francesco smiled, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Honestly, neither will I. It reminded me why I started playing in the first place. It's easy to lose sight of that when everything becomes about contracts, media, and results."

Mike nodded thoughtfully. "It's good that you're keeping that perspective. Not everyone does."

As they finished their meals, the waitress returned with a dessert menu. Francesco's eyes lit up when he saw tiramisu listed, and he convinced Sarah and Mike to share one with him.

When the dessert arrived, its layers of mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and cocoa powder looked almost too perfect to eat. But as soon as they took their first bites, all three of them sighed in unison.

"This," Sarah said, savoring the creamy sweetness, "is the perfect way to end the day."

By the time they left the restaurant, the sky had turned a deep navy, dotted with stars. The streets were quieter now, the hum of the day giving way to the stillness of night.

As they walked back to the car, Francesco draped an arm around Sarah's shoulders. "Thanks for today, Mom, Dad. I needed this."

Mike unlocked the car, giving Francesco a pat on the back. "We all did. Sometimes it's good to step away from everything and just enjoy the little things."

Sarah nodded, leaning into her son. "And no matter how big you get, Francesco, remember that you'll always have us. Moments like this—these are what really matter."

Francesco smiled, his heart full. As the car pulled away from the restaurant and headed home, he glanced out the window, watching the world pass by. For all the glamour and pressure of his career, it was evenings like this—simple, heartfelt, and grounding—that reminded him of who he was and where he came from.

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Name : Francesco Lee

Age : 16 (2014)

Birthplace : London, England

Football Club : Arsenal First Team

Championship History : None

Match Played: 3

Goal: 4

Assist: 1

MOTM: 1