Chapter 4 – The Decision
The sun dipped low over the training grounds, painting the sky in streaks of orange and purple. Another week of drills, practice matches, and endless evaluations had ended.
David sat on the bench, unlacing his boots, when he noticed two coaches nearby. They spoke in low voices, but the words still reached him.
"Ajayi is tidy, disciplined… but average," one said, arms crossed.
The other sighed. "La Masia cannot keep everyone. We have Messi, Pedro, Bojan… talents that shine. Ajayi will never break through here."
The words stung like knives, though David kept his head down.
Later that night, in the dorm, Messi bounced a ball off the wall with casual brilliance, Iniesta sat sketching plays in a notebook, and laughter filled the room. David lay in his bed staring at the ceiling.
Average. Not enough. Never enough.
He clenched his fists under the blanket.
If I unleash it now… they'll see. They'll keep me. But…
The god's words echoed in his mind. "Before they uncover your true gift, you will be sold."
The next morning, David was summoned to the office. The director of the academy sat behind a desk, his expression calm but final.
"David," he began, "you've been a joy to coach. Hardworking, respectful. But… we believe your future may lie elsewhere. Barcelona cannot keep you."
David forced a nod. "I understand."
Inside, his chest burned.
"You'll be transferred to Napoli. Italy. They've shown interest. You'll get minutes, more opportunities to grow."
Napoli. Not Barcelona. Not the dream.
That night, as he packed his small bag, Messi came over.
"Hey, Ajayi," Messi said softly, his Spanish still tinged with his Argentine accent. "You'll be fine. You work hard. Wherever you go, make them remember you."
David smiled faintly. If only you knew, Leo.
As the bus carried him away from La Masia the next day, David pressed his forehead against the window, watching the fields shrink into the distance.
La Masia hadn't seen him. They hadn't discovered his fire.
But Italy would.
And the world… the world would never forget.