Chapter 39 : Interview(1)

Nico continued his stellar form as Espanyol pushed through the final stretch of the La Liga season.

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April 26 - Espanyol vs. Getafe (La Liga , RCDE Stadium) – 2-1 Win

Espanyol edged out Getafe in a hard-fought battle, with Nico once again at the heart of everything creative. His first assist came in the 22nd minute when he split the defense with a perfectly weighted through ball to Felipe Caicedo, who slotted it past the goalkeeper. Later, in the 68th minute, Nico whipped in a pinpoint corner that Álvaro González met with a towering header to secure the win.

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May 3 - Levante vs. Espanyol (La Liga , Estadio Ciudad de Valencia) – 3-2 Win

In a thrilling away match, Nico stole the show. He set up the opening goal with a clever backheel pass to Lucas Vázquez, who rifled it into the net. His second assist came after dribbling past two defenders before laying it off for Sergio García to finish. But his crowning moment came in the 82nd minute when he received the ball on the edge of the box, took a quick touch, and curled a beautiful strike into the top corner to give Espanyol the win.

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May 10 - Espanyol vs. Rayo Vallecano (La Liga , RCDE Stadium) – 3-2 Win

Espanyol kept their momentum, with Nico pulling the strings once again. His first assist was a defense-splitting pass that put Caicedo one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The second came in stoppage time when he sent in a precise cross from deep, finding Héctor Moreno, who nodded home the winner.

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May 17 - Granada vs. Espanyol (La Liga , Nuevo Los Cármenes) – 1-0 Win

With the game locked at 0-0 in stoppage time, Espanyol won a free kick 25 meters from goal. Nico stepped up, exuding calmness. The stadium held its breath as he struck the ball with his signature Invisible Hand technique. The ball swerved unpredictably past the helpless goalkeeper, nestling into the top corner. Espanyol players mobbed him in celebration as he remained ice-cold, walking back with a smirk.

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After an intense few weeks of matches, Nico finally had a moment to breathe. Espanyol had secured their Champions League spot, thanks to his stunning performances, which had become the talk of La Liga. With just two games left—Eibar in the league and the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona—he felt the weight of the season's final stretch pressing on him. The game against Granada was over, and he was lying in his bed, exhausted but satisfied, replaying the highlights in his head.

He grabbed his phone and unlocked it, a smile spreading across his face as he found Aitana's name in his contacts. He dialed her number, propping himself up against the pillows.

After a few rings, Aitana picked up. "Hola, mi amor," she said, her voice warm and familiar.

"Hey, princesa," Nico replied, his tone lighter than it had been all day. "How's your day been?"

"Long," Aitana answered with a laugh. "I was actually waiting for you to call. How are you feeling after the game?"

Nico relaxed against the headboard, closing his eyes. "Good. It was a solid performance. I can't believe we're in the Champions League now. It feels unreal."

"I'm so proud of you," she said, her voice sincere. "You've been on fire lately."

He chuckled softly. "I've got to keep up the momentum, especially with Barcelona next. You know how that is."

Aitana's voice dropped a little, her playful tone replaced with a hint of concern. "I know. Are you ready for it?"

Nico hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm always ready. But it's going to be tough. You know how much Barcelona means to me, and I'm on loan from them. But it's Espanyol's moment, and I'm giving everything I've got for them."

"I can only imagine how hard it must be," Aitana said softly. "But I believe in you. You've always been able to rise above."

"Thanks," Nico replied, a smile in his voice. "It means a lot coming from you."

There was a brief pause, and then she added, "Hey, after the Copa del Rey final, win or lose, we should go somewhere. Just you and me. To relax, no football, no pressure. Just... us."

Nico smiled at the idea. "That sounds perfect."

Aitana's voice grew teasing again. "I'll hold you to that."

Nico's voice softened as he felt the weight of the moment. "I love you."

Aitana's breath caught for a moment, and then she smiled, her tone warm and sincere. "I love you too, Nico."

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The morning light filtered through the windows, casting soft shadows across the dining room as Nico went through his usual routine. He moved with a quiet ease, his mind still humming with the energy of the last match. His body was sore, but it was the good kind of sore—the kind that comes after giving everything on the pitch.

He grabbed the breakfast the nutritionist had prepared for him, a carefully measured mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. The scent of oats, fresh fruit, and eggs filled the room as he took his seat at the table, where his grandparents were already waiting. Johan was reading the newspaper, his eyes scanning the latest football headlines, while Danny was flipping through a recipe book, humming softly.

"Morning," Nico said, settling into his chair. He smiled at Danny. "Anything new for dinner tonight?"

Danny grinned, her eyes twinkling. "You'll find out later, but it's a surprise."

Johan glanced up from his paper and gave Nico a small nod of acknowledgment. "How are you feeling after the game? You played well," he said, his tone as steady as ever.

Nico took a sip of his drink, his thoughts still lingering on the pitch. "Sore, but nothing I can't handle. I think I'm more tired from the training this week than the game itself."

Danny laughed softly. "You and your training. You work harder than most grown men."

Nico chuckled, nodding. "I know, but it's worth it. I want to make sure we finish strong this season."

As they ate, the conversation drifted between light family talk and snippets of football strategy. Nico could feel the familiar warmth of home around him, the comfort of his grandparents' presence a steady anchor in the whirlwind of his football career.

Later, as they finished their breakfast, Nico glanced at the clock. "I'm going to head out for a bit," he said. "Just need to clear my head before the next match."

Johan looked at him, an eyebrow raised in mild curiosity. "Where are you going?"

Nico smiled, standing up and grabbing his jacket. "Just a walk. Might grab a coffee."

Danny nodded. "Don't be too long. And take care of yourself."

"I will," Nico reassured them, heading out the door. The fresh air would do him good. A day to relax before the storm of the final stretch of the season.

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As Nico strolled through the quiet streets, the gentle hum of the city around him, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen to see it was Jorge calling.

"Hey, Jorge," Nico answered, his tone light, still enjoying the peacefulness of the morning.

"Hey, Nico," Jorge replied, his voice carrying a businesslike edge. "Just wanted to let you know the interview with L'Equipe is scheduled for tomorrow."

Nico paused for a moment, his thoughts shifting. "Tomorrow?" he asked, not expecting it to come so soon.

"Yeah," Jorge confirmed. "It's been confirmed. They're sending a team to Barcelona. Shouldn't be an issue with your schedule, right? It's at 11 AM, and they said it'll only take about an hour. You'll have the rest of the day free."

Nico thought for a second, then nodded, even though Jorge couldn't see him. "Yeah, that works. I've got some time. But... will it be a lot of questions about the season?"

"Probably," Jorge said. "They'll want to focus on your performances, the transfer rumors, and how things are shaping up for you. But don't worry, it's just a casual interview. You can talk about whatever you want."

"Alright," Nico said with a shrug, even though he knew it'd still be a big moment. "I'll be ready."

"Good," Jorge replied, sounding satisfied. "I'll send over the details for tomorrow. Just make sure to look sharp. It's a big outlet."

"I'll be there," Nico promised.

After hanging up, Nico slid the phone back into his pocket and continued walking. His mind, usually consumed by football, now had something new to focus on. An interview with L'Equipe was no small thing. It was a sign of how far he'd come, and maybe even where he was headed.

He glanced around the city, feeling the weight of his journey pressing on him, but also the excitement of what lay ahead. There would be time to reflect later, but for now, he had a few more hours to himself before the world came knocking.

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The morning light poured through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Nico's room. After a simple breakfast with his grandparents, he made his way to his room, the quiet hum of anticipation filling the air.

Nico sat on the edge of his bed for a moment, mentally preparing for the day ahead. His gaze lingered on the clothes laid out for him by YSL—the black tailored suit, perfectly fitted, with sleek lines that spoke of elegance and refinement. Beside it was a crisp white shirt, the collar sharp enough to cut glass, and a black tie, narrow but precise.

He stripped off his casual clothes, stepping into the shower, the warm water cascading over him as his mind wandered through a sea of thoughts. The interview with L'Equipe was a big step. His career was on the rise, but with it came expectations, questions about his future, his next move. A part of him didn't feel ready to answer some of those questions—but he would, anyway. That was the price of being on the radar.

After drying off, he slipped into the YSL outfit. The fabric felt cool against his skin, hugging his athletic frame in all the right places. The black suit was a masterpiece, its minimalist elegance only accentuated by the simplicity of the black tie and the subtle glint of the silver cufflinks. The Barcelona logo pendant he wore, a small but constant reminder of where his roots were, completed the look.

Standing in front of the mirror, Nico adjusted his tie, his emerald eyes staring back at him, more determined than ever. His hair, now styled perfectly, framed his face, sharp and clean, yet effortlessly natural.

He glanced at the time. He had about twenty minutes before the car would arrive. He took one last look at himself in the mirror, then turned away and grabbed his phone to check in with Jorge, making sure everything was set for the interview.

The day was about to begin—and there was no turning back now.

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Thierry leaned forward slightly, his eyes twinkling with curiosity as the camera focused on him. He smiled, his voice smooth and engaging as he addressed the audience.

"Alright, for those just tuning in, we have with us today the young prodigy who has taken La Liga by storm, Nico Cryuff. A name that's on the lips of everyone who follows football. Nico, at just 14 years old, you've already racked up 21 games for Espanyol, scoring 25 goals and providing 23 assists. You're playing at a level that many professionals would envy—how do you manage to do it at such a young age?"

The question hung in the air, a soft hum of tension creeping into the room as Nico met Thierry's gaze. It was a straightforward question, but one that carried a weight of its own, one that many people—especially those who had followed his rise—were dying to know.

Nico took a moment, his posture relaxed, though his mind was anything but. He could feel the weight of Thierry's question and the curiosity of the room. But he was ready. He had always been ready.

He exhaled, then answered with a quiet confidence that made it clear this wasn't his first time reflecting on the sacrifices he'd made.

"It's not easy," he began, his voice calm but firm. "I think a lot of people look at the goals and assists, and they think it just happens overnight. But trust me, it takes a lot of work. From a very young age, my grandparents, especially my grandfather, taught me that nothing worth having comes easily. I've been training since I was five, pushing myself every day. And I've had to make sacrifices—big ones."

He paused, his mind drifting for a moment before continuing.

"Like... I haven't eaten sweets since I was five. My meals have always been prepared by a nutritionist. I don't have cheat days. I don't hang out with friends on weekends; I train. It's a tough way to live, but it's the price I've had to pay to be where I am."

Nico looked up, locking eyes with Thierry, a slight grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"But it's worth it," he added. "Every drop of sweat, every bruise. I've learned that it's not just about talent; it's about what you're willing to sacrifice and the work you're willing to put in. That's the only way to get better."

Thierry nodded, clearly impressed by Nico's maturity for his age. "Sacrifice, focus, and a mindset that's beyond your years," he said thoughtfully, looking at Nico as if weighing his words. "And yet, you make it look effortless on the pitch. We've seen you dribble past defenders like they're standing still, making impossible passes, and scoring goals that leave the crowd gasping. Your game—it's not just skill. There's a certain flair to it. Where does that come from?"

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Author's note : Vote if you like what you're reading . Do comment about things you dont like , so i can fix it in the upcoming chapters