The walk from the conference room to the La Masia dormitory was emotional and surreal, as Mateo prepared to pack the few belongings that represented six years of his life. The corridors that had been filled with friendship and shared ambition now felt empty and hostile, reflecting the institutional transformation that had made his continued presence impossible.
The packing process was swift and painful, with years of memories and achievements reduced to a single suitcase and a few personal items.
The room that had been his sanctuary and home would soon house another young player with dreams of football glory, but the institutional environment that had nurtured such dreams was changing in ways that made success increasingly dependent on commercial rather than sporting considerations.
Each item that went into the suitcase carried memories of his journey from frightened orphan to international football star.
