Conversation before Match

Today is the end.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I walk down a dim-lit path to the players' restroom, accompanied by my echoing footsteps. There is still an hour before the warmups start, so none of my teammates are in sight. As an aging player in the team, I have already noticed the distance put up by my drastically younger peers. Of course, not purely out of denigration, I assume. I know It is hard to find common topics when communicating across generations. So I tacitly accepted the treatment.

Lost in my own thoughts, it is until I hear another pair of footsteps that I look back. I am a bit surprised to see Mr. Miyazaki—the current owner of the team—tailed by his secretary. Even though he is well into his seventies, his hunched posture cannot hide the mounting aura accumulated by decades of business acumen. It will be impolite to not greet him now that he also has noticed me, I walk back to where he is.

"Oh, Minato-kun, as always diligent as ever it seems.", he greets me with a laugh.

"It's been a while, Miyazaki-san. I hope you've been well.", I bow and reply.

"Eh, it's the same old, same old. When you get to my age, you'll get used to the pain."

"I'm really grateful that you have taken your time to watch our final game."

"This is the least a club owner should do. Also, isn't this also your final game? I wouldn't have missed that.", Mr. Miyazaki replies, smiling.

"Again, I'm honored that you remember this, sir.," I reply a bit late, surprised that he is aware of the fact.

"Why don't we take a walk around the pitch before your warmups, Minato-kun? I'm sure we still have plenty of time."

"It would be my pleasure, sir.," I oblige, and walk beside him to the entrance to the pitch.

Walking along the pitch, I look around the stadium with a renewed sense of familiarity. It is definitely not a flashy one like Mikuni World Stadium, but it is still a proper and well-built stadium. I can see some long-supporting fans have already come into the stadium. Seeing me and the owner walking together, they wave at us enthusiastically, at which we respond likewise.

After interacting with the fans, Mr. Miyazaki continues walking and asks, "How long have you been at the club, Minato-kun?"

"This would be my fourth year, Miyazaki-san. Time really files.," I reply, a bit overwhelmed at the passage of time.

"It does indeed. Four years are by no means a short time. A lot of things happened in that time, and I'm grateful that you are here all long with us to weather the storm."

Now thinking about it, I guess I have. I was brought in with the purpose of balancing the squad full of young players with my experience from higher leagues. I was being benched in favor of my competition at the former club, so I took the chance when I was offered a transfer. Amid the roster changes, coaches' resignation, and internal problems, the team managed to get promoted to the J2 League, only to be relegated to J3 League after just one season.

"No, I'm the one more grateful. For giving a chance to an older player like me.," I respond back, scratching my head.

"But there's no denying that you stabilized the team at that time. That's something not everyone could do.," the owner replies while looking at me.

"I'm just glad that I didn't let down your expectations, sir.," I reply and bow again.

"Are you still reluctant about your decision?," he asks, noticing the look in my eyes.

"I am, to be honest. But I know my limits. My body can't keep up anymore, even if my mind wants to.," I smile wryly.

I really can no longer keep up. I have been in the scenes for almost a decade and a half. Football philosophies have come and gone, evolving over time. Current doctrines favor high pressing by the whole team, demanding more physicality from the players. Declining body in recent years and my old injuries would spell disaster if I plan to keep up with the modern tactics. I realize it is time for my curtain call.

"This'll probably sound harsh to say to a player as passionate as you, but sometimes all we can do is stop, and look for a different future.," Mr. Miyazaki pats my back, acknowledging my frustrations.

"I guess so, Miyazaki-san. I'm sorry to bother you with such a sob story.," I laugh awkwardly, noticing I've dampened the atmosphere.

"Haha, don't mind it. I just hope you will play your heart out today. You are an amazing player, Minato-kun. Believe that.," he replies with smiling eyes.

"Thank you for your compliments, sir." I reply, trying to steady my emotions.

"I hope you don't mind an old man taking your time. I can go to the stand by myself. You should go prepare for the upcoming match."

"No, sir. I'm thankful I get to talk to you again.,"

"Then I'll be cheering for you from the stands, Minato-kun.," Mr. Miyazaki left after saying those words.

I gaze his back for a while, then I collect myself. There is still one more match, one last dance, I remind myself. Even though the outcome is no longer important for the team, it is nonetheless one of the most important matches for me. By no means, I don't want to end my career with a disappointing result.

Because this is my legacy as a football player.