Leon arrived at the AXA Training Centre, sprinting from his car to the gym, and burst through the doors, expecting to be the last one there.
Instead, the only other person in the room was a living legend, already in the middle of a grueling workout. Mohamed Salah.
"Ah, the new boy finally arrives," Salah said, not even breaking his rhythm on the pull-up bar.
"I was beginning to think the English rain had scared you away."
"Sorry," Leon gasped, trying to catch his breath. "Slept in." Salah dropped to the floor, a picture of effortless athleticism, and grabbed a towel.
"Don't worry," he said with a grin.
"The secret to a long career is knowing when to work, and when to rest. Your body is your temple. And your bank account."
They laughed, the easy camaraderie between them now a comfortable, familiar thing.
As they began their warm-ups, Leon, emboldened by their new, secret 'Co-pilot' alliance, decided to probe the mystery that had been bugging him.
