The summer of 2013 was starting to become bright and colourful for Mateo at Casa de los Niños, which became a period of profound transformation for Mateo, as the initial shock of institutional betrayal gradually gave way to deeper understanding and renewed purpose.
The orphanage provided not just physical sanctuary but also the emotional and spiritual foundation necessary for rebuilding his confidence and rediscovering the joy that had originally drawn him to the game of football.
The daily routines that had once seemed restrictive during his early years here now provided comforting structure and stability during this period of uncertainty.
The shared meals, communal activities, and collective responsibilities reminded him of the importance of community and mutual support that had been systematically stripped away during his final months in professional football.
