Second Chances: Indonesian Football Player

Chapter 22's

After the medical examination, Mr. Thorgan escorted us back to the apartment before revealing our test results. He then explained to us how we had passed the medical but still had to undergo one final exam before we could receive the Anderlecht football academy scholarship.

“Let me repeat this. We passed the medical test, but the coach still wants to test us again before we can sign the contract?” Ryandi asked bluntly while frowning.

“Ya is basically like that.” Mr. Thorgan nodded

“Why is the U-19 match for me?” I said as I tapped my finger at the dinner table. The glaring afternoon sun shot into the small kitchen through the window across from it highlighting the pouting expression on my face.

Mr. Thorgan, sitting on one of the chairs on the opposite side of me, looked at me and smiled.

“Are you scared?” tannya

“Ya, i.” Answer me honestly.

I was told that I would face U-19 players who had undergone well-designed professional training since their childhood. I'm not so naive to think I'm going to be the best player among players who are two or three years older than me.

“Are you watching the English Premier League.?” Mr. Thorgan asked as he leaned back in his chair.

That question caught me off guard. I looked at Mr Thorgan, wondering why he lifted the Premier League, but nothing came to my mind at the moment. Nonetheless, I still decided to comfort that middle-aged scout with an answer.

“Ya I watched it.” I said while nodding

Mr. Thorgan glanced at me flirting before speaking.

“Then you must have watched the Arsenal team in 2003 when Cesc Fabregas made his debut for the Gunners at the age of 16. It happened at an English Premier League club which is a few levels above our Anderlecht team. But boy Cesc started his professional career at such a young age and still managed to impress in one of the toughest leagues on the planet.” Said

“How about you.”

Mr. Thorgan looks more like a coach than a scout.

“If you can't even make an appearance in Anderlecht U-19 friendly, how will you end up as a professional player later? Can you compete with a talented boy like Cesc Fabregas.?” The scout asked, locking eyes with me.

Those questions struck my soul like a sledgehammer the blacksmith held on top of the hot iron, forming a steel resolve that I never had during both of my lives. My eyes sparkled as a dozen new ambitions flowed in my brain. I want to be a winner who can compete with anyone.

I can't help but think of great players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. They have made their debut in official matches at the ages of seventeen and eighteen respectively. But they have shone like superstars who have made their name engraved in the history of the club and even the football world.

I dreamed of such glory and was determined to achieve it.

I decided to be the best so that if I would falter, I would fall closer to the top. If I set my sights on beating Ronaldo and Messi but fail, at least I will be compared to Neymar and Mbappe or end up like Mohamed Salah in the future. And that's not a bad thing for me.

With this system as a support, coupled with my hard work, I believe that I will reach the top sooner or later. I just have to improve my attitude before it's too late.

With a newfound spirit, I looked at the old Scout with a glint in my eyes.

“I understand, I will aim for an outstanding performance during the U-19 friendly later, you will not be disappointed.” I said seriously.

　

　

“Remember that motivation is only your driving force, but you must direct it to the right destination. I have been a Scout for a long time and can say that you are talented. Your goal should be to become a player in one of Europe's top professional leagues.”

I was embarrassed by that compliment because I was going to use the vitality system-enhancing potion to improve my physique. I just maintained my poker face while continuing to listen to Mr. Thorgan's words.

“Your physics is strong enough to support you under 19 years old. You just need to grow a few extra balls, stay calm and perform well.”

“If you do well, some doors that you never expected will open.” Mr. Thorgan added, his voice changed dramatically at the end.

“You mean aoa.?” I hurriedly asked. I know that there might be a clue somewhere in the scout monologue.

“You didn't hear this from me.” Mr. Thorgan murmured as if he was hiding his speech from a hidden entity somewhere in the small kitchen of our apartment. He looks funny.

“If you play well, you might catch the attention of head coach Anderlecht. I'm sure he'll be there for the game because he's looking for players to join the senior team. You might escape the fate of staying in the academy team for a period of more than six months if he notices you.” Said

“Bulkah?” both me and Ryandi exclaimed in unison while jumping from our seats in shock. We want to play football as professionals. Getting my debut off faster was our goal.

“Ya, that's right.” The old man smiled cunningly.

“How can I get into that match line-up.” Grutu Ryandi is like a sad housewife.

“And why Jun get all good chances.?” Further

“Ryandi, don't make me start with your incompetence.” Said Mr. Thorgan while frowning.

“How can a young sportsman like you have a weak body overload? What have you eaten? It is better that you take your fitness training seriously. Otherwise, I will tell coach Andreas to tell your parents. You can say goodbye to football forever.” He grunts.

“Sorry, Mr. Thorgan.” Ryandi

“I will train seriously starting tomorrow morning “ he continued.

“ I hope so. But don't think about it. I'll take you to get a temporary residence permit from the police tomorrow. After that, you will be able to open a Belgian bank account where we will deposit your allowance.” Said

“When do we leave?” ask Ryandi.

“ 08.30 am “ replied Mr. Thorgan.

“We have to complete all your immigration procedures during the day because Nero has to attend a pre-match Training session with the U-19 team tomorrow afternoon.”

“Ryandi, come with me to see the gym where you two will train for the first six months here.”

“Do we need to pay for gym?” I cut before the scout could continue. I've had the chance to go to the little gym in the basement of our building before today. It can meet all my needs without paying the expensive membership in the city center. I don't want to spend my pocket money on unnecessary things.