Later that afternoon, the club's media team arranged a press conference. Mateo, along with Klopp and Kehl, sat at a long table in front of a room packed with journalists from around the world. The cameras flashed, the microphones were thrust forward, and the questions came fast and furious.
"Mateo, how does it feel to be called the best signing of the season?"
"Mateo, do you feel vindicated after being released by Barcelona?"
"Mateo, what do you say to the people who doubted you?"
Sarah, who was translating for him, relayed the questions, and Mateo answered them with a calm, measured grace that belied his sixteen years.
He thanked the club, the fans, and his teammates. He praised Klopp for believing in him. He talked about the importance of hard work and perseverance. He was humble, gracious, and sincere.
But inside, he was screaming.
