The King Of Arsenal

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As the excitement in the room began to settle, Francesco looked around, taking in the warmth and pride shining from his parents' faces. This moment, he realized, was not just about a contract or the numbers on a piece of paper—it was about the years of hard work, the countless sacrifices, and the unwavering support of his family. With his family behind him and a dream within reach, Francesco knew that no challenge was too great, and this was only the first step of a journey that, together, they would make unforgettable.

The next morning, Francesco woke to the soft glow of sunlight filtering through his window. He stretched, still buzzing with the thrill of yesterday's events, and reached for his phone on the bedside table. Immediately, a notification from Instagram caught his eye—it was from Arsenal's official account, tagging him in a new post. His heart raced as he opened the app, eager to see what they had shared.

There it was: a professional photo of him seated at the signing table, flanked by Arsène Wenger and Ivan Gazidis, both smiling with pride. The contract lay open on the table in front of him, and he held a pen in hand, caught mid-signature. The caption beneath the image read:

"Welcome to the First Team, Francesco Lee! Arsenal is thrilled to announce the signing of Francesco on a four-year contract with a weekly wage of £65,000. Francesco has already shown immense potential and commitment, and we can't wait to see what he'll bring to the club. #WelcomeFrancesco #GunnerForLife"

Excitement surged through him as he scrolled to the comments section. Fans from around the world flooded it with praise and encouragement:

"Brilliant decision by Arsenal!"

"This kid is gonna be the next big thing!"

"Already loved watching him in those last two games! Absolute star in the making!"

"Welcome to the family, Francesco! Can't wait to see you shine!"

"Future legend in the making! Well done, Arsenal!"

Francesco smiled, both humbled and exhilarated by the outpouring of support. His heart swelled with pride as he continued scrolling, each comment reinforcing the sense of accomplishment that lingered from yesterday.

Curious to see how far the news had spread, he opened his browser and typed his name into the search bar. Dozens of articles popped up from major sports media outlets, each one celebrating Arsenal's decision to promote him to the first team. The headlines made his breath catch:

"Arsenal Secures Rising Star Francesco Lee on First Team Contract!"

"Francesco Lee: Arsenal's New Talent to Watch"

"Young Prodigy Francesco Lee Signs Four-Year Deal with Arsenal"

One article by The Guardian discussed his recent performances, highlighting his skill and maturity beyond his years. "In just two matches, Francesco Lee has proven he has the instincts and ability to thrive under pressure. His goals have been crucial for Arsenal, sparking excitement among fans and analysts alike. If Francesco continues performing at this level, he could very well be the next superstar in European football."

Another by BBC Sport featured quotes from fans and former players who admired Francesco's confidence and vision on the field. They described him as a "game-changer" and praised his work ethic, noting how his performance so far showed a rare combination of skill and composure.

Francesco's smile widened as he read through the stories, realizing just how big this moment was—not just for him, but for Arsenal as well. The media attention painted him as a beacon of hope for the club's future, and the thought of carrying that responsibility filled him with pride and determination. This was everything he had dreamed of and worked toward, and he was ready to embrace it fully.

Returning to Instagram, Francesco's fingers hovered over the comment box. After a moment's thought, he typed a message back to the fans:

"Thank you, everyone, for the amazing support! I'm so grateful to be a part of the Arsenal family and can't wait to give my all for the club. This is just the beginning! #COYG"

He hit post, watching his words join the sea of voices that had welcomed him. Putting down his phone, he took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Every bit of support—from fans, his family, Jorge, and his teammates—felt like fuel pushing him toward his next steps.

A knock at his bedroom door pulled him from his thoughts, and his mom peeked inside with a smile. "You're up early," she observed, stepping in. "Did you see the Arsenal post? They did a wonderful job capturing the moment."

Francesco grinned. "Yeah, I just saw it. It's… surreal, really. The comments are unbelievable, Mom. People are actually excited about me being on the team."

She crossed the room, wrapping her arms around him in a warm hug. "They see what we see, sweetheart. You've earned this, and you're going to make them proud. Just keep being you."

He hugged her back, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "Thanks, Mom. I won't let anyone down."

"Now," she said, pulling back with a playful smile, "come downstairs and eat breakfast. You're going to need all the energy you can get."

As Francesco sat at the kitchen table with his family, his dad, Mike, couldn't contain his grin. "Saw the news, champ. It's everywhere. You're already becoming a household name!"

Francesco chuckled, feeling a warm blush rise to his cheeks. "It's just the start, Dad. Now I have to work even harder."

After breakfast, Francesco returned to his room to prepare for training. He packed his bag, the weight of it feeling somehow lighter now that he knew he was officially a first-team player. Before leaving, he took one last glance at his phone. Notifications were still rolling in—more likes, more comments, and messages from friends congratulating him.

Heading to the training ground, Francesco felt a newfound purpose in his stride. When he arrived, the atmosphere was different—several teammates approached him with nods of acknowledgment and pats on the back. They joked about the media frenzy and welcomed him officially to the first team, making him feel at home among the senior players.

During practice, Wenger pulled him aside to give him a few words of guidance. "Remember, Francesco, talent brought you here, but hard work will keep you here. Always push yourself, but also listen, learn, and take it all in."

Francesco nodded, his respect for the manager deepening with each word. "Thank you, Mr. Wenger. I'll do my best to learn everything I can."

Francesco dove into the day's training with renewed enthusiasm, joining the rest of the squad in drills, scrimmages, and tactical exercises. Each movement, each pass, seemed sharper, fueled by the excitement and pride that lingered from yesterday's signing. The other players noticed, exchanging encouraging nods as he demonstrated his prowess on the field, keeping pace with the veterans and even impressing some of them with his precision and control.

By evening, when the training session finally wound down, the players gathered in the locker room, their banter lighthearted as they discussed the day's drills and shared jokes. Francesco joined in the conversation, feeling a deeper connection to his teammates than ever before. It was no longer just a dream—he was now part of Arsenal's first team, and the camaraderie filled him with a sense of belonging. As he finished showering and packed up his gear, he waved goodbye to the others, thanking them for their support and encouragement.

After changing back into his casual clothes, Francesco exited the training facility, wheeling his bicycle out of the gate. He glanced around, hoping for a quiet ride home, but a small crowd of fans had gathered just beyond the gates. Some held up scarves, Arsenal banners, or jerseys, while others had their phones ready, eager for a chance to capture a photo with one of their heroes. Francesco's gaze settled on a little boy near the front, barely seven years old, holding a small sign that read, "Francesco, you're my hero!" The boy was wearing an Arsenal jersey with Francesco's name on it, his eyes wide and filled with hope as he clutched his father's hand.

When the boy spotted Francesco, his face lit up, and he tugged excitedly on his dad's arm. "Francesco! Over here!" he called, waving frantically, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and awe. Francesco felt his heart swell at the sight.

He made his way over, offering a friendly wave to the rest of the fans, who greeted him with cheers and calls of encouragement. "Hey there, buddy!" he greeted the boy with a warm smile. "Is that my name on your sign?"

The boy nodded enthusiastically, clutching the poster to his chest. "Yeah! I saw your games, and I asked my dad to get your jersey. I wanna be just like you someday!"

Touched, Francesco knelt to the boy's level, glancing at the eager smile and the small Arsenal jersey that seemed a little too big for him. "Well, if you keep cheering as loud as you did, I might just have to work extra hard to keep up with fans like you." He took out a pen from his bag. "Would you like me to sign your jersey?"

The boy's eyes widened as he nodded, starstruck. "Yes, please!"

Francesco carefully signed his name on the back of the jersey, adding a small message: "Keep dreaming big!" He then handed the pen back to the boy, who looked up at him with pure admiration. "Thank you, Francesco! I'll never forget this!"

Francesco patted him on the shoulder. "You're welcome, champ. Remember to keep practicing and maybe one day, you'll be out on that field, too."

As he straightened up, the boy's father offered a sincere smile. "Thank you, Francesco. You've just made his entire year. Good luck out there—we'll be rooting for you."

"Thank you, sir," Francesco replied, feeling a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the fans who had shown him so much love.

After a few more autographs and pictures with other fans, Francesco climbed onto his bike and waved goodbye to the crowd. Pedaling down the street toward home, he felt both humbled and inspired by the support he'd received. The joy in that young boy's eyes reminded him why he played—to inspire, to push boundaries, and to live out the dream of every fan who had ever dreamed of stepping onto a professional pitch.

As Francesco pedaled along the familiar route home, he remembered he'd run out of cereal and milk. Spotting a minimarket up ahead, he decided to make a quick stop. Leaning his bike against the wall outside, he walked in, greeted by the bright lights and the comforting hum of quiet evening shoppers. He found the cereal aisle quickly, picking out his favorite box before heading to the dairy section for milk.

At the checkout counter, the cashier, a young man who looked to be about his age, gave him a friendly nod. "You're that new Arsenal player, right?" he asked, scanning the items with a grin.

Francesco smiled, a bit sheepish but flattered. "Yeah, that's me."

"Congrats, man! My friends and I saw your goals in the last match. Keep it up!"

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Francesco replied, handing over the cash. After paying, he grabbed his bag and gave the cashier a small wave before heading out.

Once he got home, he parked his bike in the garage and entered the house, the familiar smell of his mom's cooking filling the air. It was warm and inviting, a blend of herbs, garlic, and spices that instantly made his mouth water.

In the kitchen, his mom, Sarah, was busy at the stove, humming a soft tune as she stirred a pot. She looked up as he entered, her eyes lighting up with a welcoming smile. "Back just in time," she said, glancing at the cereal and milk in his bag. "Stocking up for tomorrow, I see?"

Francesco chuckled, setting the groceries on the counter. "Yeah, didn't want to be out of my morning essentials. Smells amazing in here, Mom. What's for dinner?"

"Just a little pasta with my special sauce," she replied, beaming at him as she returned to her cooking. "Your dad's running a bit late tonight. Some last-minute work, but he should be home soon."

Francesco nodded, taking a seat at the kitchen island, watching his mom as she cooked. "How was your day?"

She glanced over her shoulder. "It was good. I saw Arsenal's post this morning—it was so exciting to see you up there with Mr. Wenger. I'm so proud of you, honey. I knew you'd make it, but seeing it announced officially… it's surreal."

Francesco's heart warmed, and he gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Mom. I couldn't have done any of this without you and Dad. It still feels unreal to me too."

Just then, the front door opened, and they heard footsteps. Moments later, his dad, Mike, entered the kitchen, his tie slightly loosened and a tired but proud look on his face. "Look who's home!" he said, walking over to give Francesco a hug. "So, how's our new first-team player doing?"

"Good, Dad," Francesco replied, grinning. "Just got back from training, and a little stop at the minimarket."

Mike chuckled, ruffling his son's hair. "A man's got to have his cereal, right? Well, I'm sure you've worked up quite an appetite."

"Absolutely," Francesco replied, his stomach rumbling in agreement.

Sarah smiled as she put the finishing touches on the pasta, giving the sauce one last stir. "Dinner's ready!" she announced, her voice warm and cheerful. "Francesco, would you mind helping me set the table?"

"Of course, Mom," Francesco replied, standing up from his spot at the kitchen island. He moved to the cabinets, pulling out plates and silverware while Sarah brought over the bowls and serving spoons.

Together, they set the table with practiced ease, moving in a rhythm that spoke of many family dinners just like this one. Francesco placed the plates around the table and laid out the cutlery, while Sarah filled a bowl with the steaming pasta and another with a fresh salad she had prepared earlier. She poured some water into glasses and set them next to each plate, while Francesco went back to the kitchen for a basket of warm bread rolls.

Once everything was set, they both took a step back to admire the spread. "Looks perfect," Sarah said with a smile, giving Francesco a grateful look. "Thank you, sweetheart."

As Mike joined them at the table, he took a seat with a contented sigh. "Now this is what I look forward to at the end of a long day. Family dinner and some of Sarah's famous pasta."

Francesco and Sarah chuckled as they sat down. They each served themselves, passing around the bowls and exchanging smiles. The warmth of the meal was matched by the light-hearted conversations that followed. They talked about Francesco's training, Mike's work, and a few funny stories from Sarah's day. Francesco felt a sense of peace settle over him as they shared stories, laughter, and the simple comfort of a family meal.

It was a moment that reminded him why he loved coming home, no matter how intense his day had been on the pitch. The love and support he found around this table meant more to him than anything else in the world.

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Name : Francesco Lee

Age : 16 (2014)

Birthplace : London, England

Football Club : Arsenal First Team

Championship History : None