The Champions League trophy glimmered in his hands
The night was loud
The city lit up
But inside Cristiano was quiet
He had dreamed of this
Fought for it
Bled for it
Now that he held it
He only felt one thing
What's next
Summer came fast
Commercials
Awards
TV shows
Everyone wanted him
Magazines
Brands
Clubs
But all he wanted was the ball
Sir Alex gave him time off
Said enjoy it
Said rest
Cristiano smiled
Said thanks
Then showed up at training two days later
Sweating
Running
Shooting
Everyone else on vacation
He was already planning the next season
The media praised him
Some said he had nothing left to prove
Some said he'd already reached his peak
He read all of it
Then tossed it aside
You don't peak at twenty three
In his mind
This trophy wasn't the finish line
It was just proof
Proof that the impossible wasn't so impossible
That a kid from Madeira
With no money
No connections
Could reach the stars
Now he wanted more
Not for fame
Not for applause
For the fire
That summer
A call came in from Madrid
Big club
Big offer
Big stage
Sir Alex sat him down
You've built something here
But if your heart tells you go
Then go
Cristiano looked down
Then looked up
Not yet
He stayed
Chose loyalty
Chose hunger
But deep down
He knew
A storm was coming
Not outside
Inside him
A hunger that no trophy could silence