For my fifth birthday, two months ago, Uncle Ferran gifted me the new Messi shirt, with the #10 on the back for the first time ever. Today, Mama took it out of the plastic packaging and put it on me herself. She also finally handed me the black-colored Lotto Zhero Evolution she got me for my birthday. They looked as beautiful as I remembered. This time, I spent less time staring at them because Uncle Ferran was shouting from outside. Mama quickly laced up my boots, kissed my forehead, and wished me good luck.
"Reietó, hurry up. That fool will keep you out of the whole game. He is a stickler for rules," Uncle Ferran beckoned from his scooter.
"I'm here, I'm here, Uncle." I climbed up behind Uncle and hugged his waist tight before he kick-started the scooter and drove away.
"Reietó, celebrate if you score today. You never celebrate when you watch a game, you brat," Uncle Ferran shouted over the wind raging into my face.
I only rolled my eyes in response.
Today, I'll be playing my first match for els gats del Raval. The team is managed by Uncle's close friend and founding member of Penya Culers del Raval, Coach Diego. Most of the team is 7 or 8 years old, but Uncle convinced Coach to let me play. His main argument was that although I am underweight, I am both taller and better than my classmates.
…
"Stop stressing the kids out and come sit down," Diego pulled Ferran down to the wooden bench. He could not believe this was the bastard who would swear in front of the most fatal of dangers. If not surrounded by the kids he coached, Diego would bring out a digital camera to capture this moment to show the whole group.
Ferran sat down, but Diego had to clamp his knee to stop its incessant shaking.
"You have no idea, Diego. He loves football. Even more than you and I ever did. I don't know how he will react if he doesn't play well. And you b***, you had to start him in his first game?" Ferran's words rose into a growl nearing the last part.
"Calma, calma, Ferran. We handed him a ball in the crib. He has grown up knowing more about football than any kid on my team. And if, for some reason, today does not go well, we are here for him. We tell him that he played with older boys who have been part of the team for a long time." Diego squeezed Ferran's knee and shut him up before walking to the touchline for some last-minute encouragement.
…
Just half an hour ago, Coach told me I would be playing left centre back because both our starting centre backs were out with a common flu. I could not be more nervous. Although it was a cool morning, the temperature was not low enough to make my teeth clatter. I rubbed my hands and started to look at the players of the other team to distract myself.
"FWHEE"
The referee's whistle brought me back to the present as Juan, our striker, kicked off the game. Immediately, the second pass of the game was directed to me. I stopped the ball with the bottom of my foot and looked up to scan the pitch. Everything fell into place. I was content.