The Borussia Dortmund youth academy dormitories stood like a beacon of possibility in the early morning light, their modern architecture blending seamlessly with the surrounding training facilities.
As Mateo wheeled his single suitcase through the entrance, he couldn't help but marvel at how different this felt from the sterile hotel rooms that had been his temporary home.
This wasn't just accommodation; this was the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one where he would finally have peers who understood the unique pressures and dreams that came with pursuing football excellence.
The building itself spoke to the club's philosophy. Unlike the corporate grandeur of some academies, the dormitories were designed with warmth and functionality in mind.