The morning sun cast long, golden shadows across the Brackel Training Centre as it appeared before them like a temple dedicated to the beautiful game.
As Petra drove through the security gates, Mateo pressed his face to the window, taking in every detail of what would become his professional home.
The complex was impressive without being flashy, modern glass buildings with clean lines nestled among perfectly manicured training pitches, each blade of grass seeming to vibrate with potential and possibility.
The architecture spoke of serious purpose rather than flashy display. Unlike the grandiose facilities at Barcelona that seemed designed more for impressing visitors than developing players, everything here appeared functional and focused.
