My Football Legends Chat Group-Chapter 47: A Promise

He tried all sorts of things to improve his left foot over the last two weeks, even asking Farke for extra sessions. Despite this, it seemed he could only reach this level in the short amount of time.

Rio stared at his left boot for a little while before shaking his head. There was no way he could have caught up to the technical capability of his right foot in such a short period of time, even with his Elastic Limbs ability.

"You should give up on the left foot." A voice came from behind him, causing Rio to almost jump in fright.

He turned around to see a man who was dressed well and wearing a Leeds United tracksuit. He had bags under his eyes and a receding hairline, however, there was a sparkle in his eyes giving him a knowledgeable air. It was one of the senior analysts.

Rio frowned, not sure why this guy was on the pitch. "And why do you say that?" He responded, his tone a little unfriendly.

However, the analyst did not seem to mind his tone, even letting out a chuckle in response. "As long as you agree to stop cutting inside and stay wide on the right, Farke will start you. You’ll be able to play in the starting lineup along with your friend."

Rio’s eyes flashed with surprise. "How do you know about my friend?"

He seemed to have ignored the first part of his words and instantly jumped to the latter part. Yet the analyst just smiled in response, choosing to patiently answer his question without pushing the teen.

"I saw the stats from the Cardiff game. And the training data. Mateo feeds you the ball more than anyone else." He said, gesturing at Rio’s heatmap.

Rio suddenly recalled the heatmaps he studied with Leo, finally making sense of it all.

"Tell me, was it because of my predictability that Farke benched me last time?" Rio asked, gazing into the analyst’s eyes.

"Yes. But now that you’ve scored that goal, you’ve made the opposition think twice." The analyst responded, holding Rio’s firm gaze.

The two were silent for a while, before the analyst spoke up once again, extending his advice.

"As I said, as long as you mix up your game. We’ll offer you a permanent contract at the end of the season."

This time it was Rio who broke eye contact, his emotions in turmoil. In front of him was the opportunity of a lifetime, everything that he had been working towards for this past month alongside Mateo.

He should be happy, ecstatic even. So why did he feel so... unsatisfied?

Seeing as how Rio did not answer right away, the analyst knew when to relent. He placed his hand inside his jacket and pulled out a tablet.

"Have a think about it and let us know your decision. As long as you show consistency before the January window then the offer will stand."

Rio looked at the tablet, still in a daze. He saw his stats: Goals: 1, Assists: 1, Dribbles Completed: 12.

"I’ve seen enough of your training so you’re free to head home. I’m looking forward to Saturday." The analyst said, before heading back to the office.

All Rio could do was stand in place for a while, watching the retreating back of the analyst.

The next few hours felt like a blur as Rio made his way back to the apartment. He felt as if he was just a spectator as his body did all the work, seemingly on autopilot.

It wasn’t until he was out front of his door that he felt a rush of emotion.

"DAMN IT!"

Rio threw his gym bag onto the floor and screamed out loud, feeling the rush of ambition hit him all at once. All of the hunger he thought that he’d satisfied with one goal came rushing out at once.

He fell to the sofa and couldn’t hold back the frustration that poured out.

Mateo rushed to the living room after hearing the commotion, only to see his best friend with his head in his hands. His brotherly instincts took over as he rushed out and sat next to him.

’He must have been benched again.’ He thought inwardly, feeling his heart ache.

"I am honored to say, we are proud of your performance today, your various contributions in and out of possession. On behalf of the entire coaching staff, we wish you all the best for the international break."

There were a few cheers from the players near Rio who were caught up in the relief of another win. He couldn’t help but smile, at least until he turned around and saw the exhausted face of his friend.

"Uwaaahhh, I feel so dead," Mateo groaned, leaning his entire weight on Rio.

"A-Ah, get off me. You’re sweating all over me." Rio tried to prise the big midfielder off of him, however, Mateo seemed to be holding on for dear life.

However, part of him still felt a little proud, so he eventually patted his back.

"Let’s go take some photos before it’s time to fly." Rio said, consoling his friend.

Only now did Mateo release his hold, nodding vigorously.

The two walked around to the away end where the fans were still singing, taking some photos which would serve as memorabilia for their Instagrams.

"Um, Rio would you mind taking a photo with me?" A cute girl with short blonde hair and bright green eyes tugged at his sleeve in order to get his attention.

"Sarah? U-Um okay sure." Rio was a little taken aback, but he couldn’t decline such a request from his neighbor.

Sarah’s face flushed red, however inwardly she was over the moon.

’He remembers me!’

After getting the photo, she held the phone to her chest and smiled beautifully.

Seeing how Sarah had been able to get a photo with Rio, another flock of fans came running over with the same intention.

"Ah crap! Quick let’s go." Rio sensed the danger and quickly grabbed Mateo by the arm and ran down the tunnel.

Once they arrived in the locker room, Rio let out a sigh of relief. The two made their way back to the apartment where Leo and Carlos were waiting with packed suitcases.

"Your stuff is in the taxi, we’ll drop you off at the airport when you’re ready." Carlos said, feeling a little bittersweet.

Mateo nodded before turning to Rio. "It really sucks that you didn’t get called up to the U21s, It would have been great if we could fly together." He said, sulking a little.

Even though it had been almost a month since he found out the news about his Spain U21 call-up, Mateo was still reluctant to leave Rio’s side.

Rio felt a wave of jealousy from these words, but he managed to keep a straight face.

"Don’t worry, I’ll prove that coach wrong with my goals and meet you in the senior squad." Rio replied, patting his chest. He had phrased it in such a way that showed his determination rather than his bitterness.

Mateo nodded, feeling his eyes beginning to sting once again. "I’ll miss you guys."

He hugged both Carlos and Leo before standing in front of Rio and holding out his fist. Despite the fatigue on his face, he had a brilliant smile. "Let’s meet at the Euros."

Rio smiled, bumping fists with his brother.

"It’s a promise."

[Chat Room Active]

Hand_Of_King: International break? Boring. This is the time to work. While they rest, you grind.

Total_Football_14: Use this time to study the greats. Your left foot is good, but your mind must be sharper.

Zizou_5: And maybe clean your room. It is a mess.

Rio laughed, looking at his empty apartment.