The King Of Arsenal

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As the morning stretched on, Francesco found himself enjoying the rare luxury of a day with no obligations. He spent some time in the backyard, juggling a ball absentmindedly while basking in the crisp London air.

Francesco spent the morning in a blissful haze, enjoying the rare downtime after such an intense match. After the quiet of the backyard, he retreated inside, the warmth of the house comforting him from the crisp air. He walked back to his room, checked his phone again for messages—more fans' posts, a few texts from teammates congratulating him again on his performance, and some kind words from friends. It felt good to be acknowledged, but Francesco knew that the road ahead was far from easy. The match was just one stepping stone, and the journey had only begun.

After breakfast, Francesco found himself wandering around the house, feeling unusually restless. It was one of those rare days when there wasn't a set plan ahead—no training, no commitments, no meetings. His mind began to drift, pondering what to do with the rest of the day. He couldn't stay in his room all day, staring at his phone. There was something else he had been meaning to tackle for a while now. A small thought had been lingering in his mind for weeks—maybe even months.

It's time, he thought, realizing it was the perfect day to make it happen.

Francesco had always known that he would need a driver's license eventually, but the idea of getting his provisional license had felt like something he could push aside for later. It was one of those things that he hadn't really prioritized, considering how quickly his football career had taken off and how demanding his schedule was. But today, it seemed like the right moment to start.

In the UK, the rules for driving were straightforward—one could obtain a provisional driving license at the age of 17, but you could start the process a bit earlier. At 15 years and 9 months, young drivers were eligible to apply for a provisional driving license, which allowed them to start practicing with a driving instructor in preparation for the full driving test at 17. Francesco, now 16, was in that sweet spot between too young and old enough. The timing was right.

It wasn't that Francesco was desperate to get his full license immediately, but he liked the idea of having some freedom. As a footballer with a demanding schedule, he often found himself dependent on others for rides to and from training, matches, and other events. Getting his provisional license would give him the ability to practice on his own time, and when he turned 17, he could take the full test without the added stress of waiting to get started.

Francesco stood still for a moment, considering it. There was something liberating about the idea of getting behind the wheel. He'd never really driven much—just a few sessions with his dad when he was younger, but those had always been more like experiments, brief moments of trial and error in parking lots. The thought of becoming more independent, having that extra sense of control over his own transportation, was appealing.

After a brief pause, Francesco shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. No time like the present.

He walked down the stairs and found his mom in the kitchen again, preparing lunch. "Mom, I think it's time I got my provisional driving license," he said, his voice more certain than he felt.

Sarah turned, a bit surprised but pleased by the news. "Really? I thought you weren't interested in driving just yet."

"I wasn't, but I've been thinking about it. I'm 16 now, and I could start taking lessons for the provisional license. It'd be good to get the ball rolling. Plus, it's something I've wanted to do for a while." Francesco spoke with enthusiasm, his eyes alight with the idea. He had never really considered how much it could give him a sense of independence, and it had somehow become more appealing in the past few months.

Sarah smiled, shaking her head. "Well, I'm glad you've decided. It's a big step, but you're ready for it. Just make sure you find a good course. It's not just about getting the license—it's about becoming a safe driver, too."

"I will," Francesco assured her, already feeling the rush of excitement building.

He gave his mom a quick hug and grabbed his jacket from the coat rack by the door. "I'm heading out to find a good driving course. I'll be back soon."

"Take care, Francesco," Sarah said, her voice full of encouragement as she waved him off.

The walk to the nearest driving school didn't take long—just a short stroll down the street, across the park, and through a few quiet residential roads. The sun was still bright in the afternoon sky, casting a soft glow over everything. Francesco took in the simple beauty of the day, his steps light and easy as he walked with purpose. He felt like today marked a new chapter in his life—a personal step forward, beyond football, beyond his family's expectations, and into a world where he could carve out more of his own freedom.

As he arrived at the driving school, he noticed the neat row of cars parked outside and the clear sign that marked the place. It was a small, locally owned driving school that had been recommended by some friends. The cars were a mix of older models and newer ones, but all seemed well-maintained. The place had a friendly, approachable atmosphere, something that reassured him.

Francesco stepped inside, the bell above the door ringing as he entered. A warm, middle-aged woman behind the desk looked up, her face breaking into a smile when she saw him. "Hello! How can I help you today?"

"I'd like to inquire about getting my provisional driving license," Francesco said, his voice clear. "I'm 16, and I've been thinking about starting driving lessons."

The woman nodded enthusiastically. "Great decision! Getting your provisional license is the first step. It's good that you're thinking about it now. Many young drivers get their provisional license early on, and it gives you plenty of time to learn before you turn 17. I can give you all the information you need, and we can start scheduling your lessons."

Francesco felt a surge of excitement. This is really happening, he thought. He sat down at one of the chairs near the desk as the woman began explaining the process.

"It's quite simple," she said. "First, you need to apply for the provisional license, which you can do online or at the post office. Once you have that, you can start booking lessons with us. We recommend taking about 20 to 30 hours of instruction before you attempt your driving test, but of course, it's up to you. The lessons will help you get comfortable with the car and learn the basics of road safety. We'll focus on everything from steering to parking, to road signs, and the rules of the road." She smiled warmly. "Our instructors are very patient, and we make sure you're ready before taking the test."

Francesco nodded, listening closely. He had no intention of rushing through the process—he wanted to be a safe driver and take his time to learn. After all, his success in football was built on practice and patience, and he figured the same applied to driving.

"Do you have any questions?" she asked.

"Just one," Francesco replied. "How soon can I start the lessons?"

"Well, we have availability today, so if you're ready, we can get you scheduled in right away," she said, handing him a pamphlet with the details of the courses.

Francesco took the pamphlet, his excitement growing. "That sounds perfect. Let's get started."

After waiting for a while Francesco threw himself into his driving lessons. They were a welcome change of pace in his life—a grounding experience that provided him with a sense of independence outside of football. The lessons themselves weren't as simple as he had imagined, but he enjoyed the challenge of mastering the car, learning the nuances of driving, and gaining a new set of skills.

Each lesson was a mix of excitement and concentration, and Francesco found himself becoming more comfortable behind the wheel with every session. His instructor, a patient man named Mr. Thomas, was a calming presence in the car, guiding Francesco through every maneuver, from basic parking to more complicated junctions and roundabouts. Francesco appreciated how methodical Mr. Thomas was, and the steady rhythm of each lesson helped him build confidence in his abilities.

Francesco felt a sense of accomplishment as he parked the car in front of the driving school after his lesson with Mr. Thomas. The day's lesson had been intense but rewarding. He had learned a lot in just a few hours: how to properly steer through tight spaces, how to approach roundabouts with more confidence, and how to handle the accelerator and brake more smoothly. It wasn't easy, but Francesco found himself enjoying the challenge. There was something oddly satisfying about learning something completely new, a skill that required both focus and coordination.

Mr. Thomas had been a calm and encouraging presence throughout the entire lesson. The steady, methodical way he guided Francesco through the exercises made all the difference. The first hour had been spent on basic controls: adjusting mirrors, steering in a straight line, and getting comfortable with the car's handling. By the second hour, they were tackling more complicated tasks, like parking in a tight spot and navigating a series of narrow streets. Francesco had struggled a bit at first, but with Mr. Thomas's patient guidance, he found his rhythm.

In the final hour, Mr. Thomas had taken him through a few local roads, teaching him how to handle intersections and understand traffic signs. Francesco had been a little tense at first—driving on public roads always felt like a step into the unknown, and he was hyper-aware of every turn, every stop. But as the lesson went on, he became more comfortable, the uncertainty giving way to a quiet confidence. It was like he had unlocked a new level of understanding, and the road ahead seemed less daunting.

When they finally returned to the driving school, Francesco couldn't help but feel proud. "That was a good session, Mr. Thomas," he said, as he parked the car and turned off the engine. "I feel like I've learned a lot."

Mr. Thomas smiled warmly, clearly pleased with Francesco's progress. "You did great today. Keep practicing, and you'll be ready for the test before you know it. Remember, driving is all about confidence and consistency. You've got the right attitude, and with a bit more practice, you'll be a safe and skilled driver in no time."

Francesco grinned, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "Thanks, Mr. Thomas. I'll definitely keep working on it."

After saying his goodbyes, Francesco stepped out of the car, his legs feeling a little wobbly from the three hours of concentrated focus. He was exhausted, but it was the kind of tiredness that felt good, the kind that came from pushing yourself to do something new and exciting. He thanked Mr. Thomas again before heading back out onto the sidewalk.

The walk back home was brisk. The sun had started to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the streets. Francesco took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill his lungs. It had been a productive day. He'd taken another step toward independence, toward having a bit more freedom in his life beyond football and family. The idea of getting his provisional driving license had felt like just another task to tick off, but now that he had started the process, it felt like something more—an achievement, a personal milestone.

As he walked, he reflected on how different the day had been compared to his usual routine. Normally, he would have spent the afternoon either resting after training or working on tactics, preparing for the next match. Today, though, he had done something entirely for himself. It was a small change, but Francesco could feel it—the sense that he was starting to carve out a bit more space for himself, beyond the spotlight of football.

By the time he reached his house, the sun had set, and the sky had taken on the dusky hues of evening. Francesco unlocked the door and stepped inside, the familiar warmth of home greeting him. He could hear the faint sound of the television in the living room, his mom's voice softly speaking to someone—probably his dad on the phone. Francesco smiled to himself, feeling the comforting embrace of family life.

He walked into the living room, where his mom was sitting on the couch, flipping through channels. "Hey, Mom," Francesco greeted, taking off his jacket and throwing it over the back of a chair.

"Hi, sweetie! How was your lesson?" she asked, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.

"It was great. I'm getting the hang of it," Francesco replied, sitting down next to her. He stretched out his legs, feeling the pleasant fatigue settling in from the driving lesson. "Mr. Thomas is really good—he helped me a lot with parking and turning corners."

"That's wonderful to hear," Sarah said, giving him a proud smile. "I knew you'd pick it up quickly. You've always been good at learning new things."

Francesco nodded, feeling a sense of pride at his mom's approval. "It feels good, you know? I never really thought about how important it is to be confident behind the wheel, but now I get it. It's kind of like football—you just have to keep practicing and it becomes second nature."

Sarah chuckled softly, her eyes softening with affection. "Exactly. And you're right—just like with football, it's all about practice and consistency. You'll be driving like a pro in no time."

Francesco smiled, settling deeper into the couch. "I'm looking forward to it. I think I'll book another lesson soon. I want to get the full experience before I turn 17."

"I'm glad you're excited about it," Sarah said, placing a hand on his arm. "Just remember, there's no rush. You've got plenty of time to learn."

"I know," Francesco replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "But it feels like something I want to take seriously. I've been depending on others for rides for so long—I think it's time I started doing this on my own."

His mom nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I understand. It's important to have that sense of independence. And I'm happy for you that you're taking the first step. Just be safe, okay?"

"I will, Mom," Francesco promised. "I'll be careful."

The conversation drifted into more casual topics as the evening wore on. Francesco shared some of the lighter moments of his lesson, making his mom laugh with stories about his attempts at parallel parking and his nervousness when taking a left turn on a busy road. It was easy to talk to her, and he appreciated the sense of comfort and familiarity that their conversations brought.

As the night drew on, Francesco found himself feeling more and more at ease. He had taken a step forward in his life today, but it was just the beginning. The driving lessons, though challenging, had been a refreshing break from the intensity of football. It was a new challenge, one that would push him to grow in different ways. And though the road ahead was long—both with driving and with football—Francesco knew that he was ready for whatever came his way.

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Name : Francesco Lee

Age : 16 (2014)

Birthplace : London, England

Football Club : Arsenal First Team

Championship History : None

Match Played: 3

Goal: 13

Assist: 3

MOTM: 3