luca

"John, please help me contact Dundee United. I want to play football there."

While eating breakfast, Liam Carter successfully grabbed his family's attention with a single sentence.

"Really, Liam? You've made up your mind?" Old John seemed skeptical about Liam's sudden change of heart, but he quickly added, "Don't worry, I'll sort it out for you."

As if afraid Liam would change his mind again, Old John didn't even finish his breakfast before rushing to the side to make a phone call.

"Liam, are you sure about this?" Kate Carter asked, clearly surprised.

Just two days ago, Liam had been frustrated after failing to make the first team, even showing signs of giving up professional football. But now, he suddenly seemed determined. That made Kate a little suspicious.

"Don't worry, Kate. This is a decision I've thought about seriously. No matter what happens in the future, I'll stick with it." Liam reassured her, knowing she was only concerned about him.

"I plan to visit Luca later and have him put together a training plan for me."

"Liam, you're in luck. I just got off the phone with my contact in Scotland. You'll be heading back with me after breakfast," Old John announced happily.

"Liam, even if you want to continue playing, I still think staying here in London is the better choice. Crystal Palace may not be a top club, but the Premier League's exposure is far greater than the Scottish league—"

Before Kate could finish, Old John interrupted with frustration. "Our league is one of the top leagues in Europe! How can you compare it to a second-division English league?"

"Actually, if you compare media coverage, player salaries, broadcasting revenue, and match attendance, the English Championship is ahead of the Scottish Premiership—by quite a bit," Kate replied calmly.

Old John was clearly unconvinced, but after a long pause, he grumbled, "They just know how to market themselves. That's all..."

Liam knew Kate was right.

Scotland was geographically close to England, and due to the financial power of English football, most Scottish players eventually transferred south. However, very few broke into the Premier League; most ended up in the English Championship or even League One, the third tier.

In terms of pure competition level, the English Championship and the Scottish Premiership were similar. But the English Championship had the commercial advantage, making it a more attractive option overall.

Still, Liam preferred playing in Scotland—more specifically, at Dundee United—because of Old John.

John Carter Sr. had once been a promising young talent in Dundee United's academy. Unfortunately, a serious injury during a match cut short his potential.

Even though injuries had limited his success, he still went on to play professionally for Dundee United for several seasons. While mostly a rotation player, he worked tirelessly for the club.

Later, after suffering multiple injuries, John retired before he turned 30 and took a job at Dundee United.

Now, after working for the club for over 30 years, he wasn't a major decision-maker, but he still had influence.

This was why Liam was willing to join Dundee United.

At Crystal Palace, he'd have to wait for opportunities. At Dundee United, with Old John's guidance, his chances of getting game time would be much higher.

Of course, Old John's influence wouldn't guarantee Liam a starting spot. But at the very least, it would help him get a fair shot.

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After breakfast, Liam headed out.

He drove his first car—a used Volkswagen Polo, which he had bought after receiving his first paycheck. The Polo was a popular choice in Europe for young professionals.

Starting from his home in South London, he drove north, crossed the Thames via Chelsea Bridge, and entered the Chelsea district. From there, he turned east, passed through the heart of Chelsea, and finally reached Fulham. He parked near Kings Road and walked toward Fulham Preparatory School, the elementary school he had attended after moving to the UK.

Fulham Preparatory School was one of the top primary schools in London. Most of its students came from middle-class and upper-class families. Many of them later entered prestigious secondary schools. Liam had been enrolled there because his family could afford it.

But he wasn't here today for nostalgia—he had another reason.

Liam made his way to the school's faculty housing, climbed to the third floor of an apartment building, and knocked on one of the doors.

"Liam? What are you doing here?" A middle-aged man with distinct Eastern European features answered the door. He had sun-bleached hair, a strong nose, and a slight hook at the bridge.

"Because I haven't seen you in a while, Luca." Liam greeted him with a hug.

Luca Savic was Liam's former football coach from primary school.

When Liam had first moved to the UK, he had tried out for several professional club academies but had been rejected each time. It was a huge blow to his confidence.

However, after enrolling at Fulham Prep, he joined the school football team. There, Coach Savic became a mentor to him, encouraging him during training sessions and helping him develop his skills. It was one of the main reasons Liam had eventually earned a spot in Crystal Palace's youth academy.

Back then, Liam had been obsessed with martial arts films and insisted on calling Savic "Master Luca." Now, looking back, he found it a bit embarrassing.

Even after graduating from primary school and joining a professional club's academy, Liam had stayed in touch with Savic. Though they didn't see each other often, they exchanged calls and texts during the holidays.

"Master Luca, I've decided to play in Scotland's top division," Liam said, swallowing his embarrassment and using the old nickname to rekindle their bond.

"Dundee United? That's Old John's club, isn't it?" Savic asked.

"Yeah, I don't think I'll get many chances at Crystal Palace, so I want to try my luck in Scotland."

"Is there something I can do to help?"

Liam had been waiting for this question. "I need your help with special training. If I'm going to have a shot there, I need to be ready."

Savic hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright. The school's on summer break, so I have some free time."

The night before, Liam had activated his first talent card—a blue card labeled "Joaquín's Wing Play." It displayed a number: 21%. That was his current fusion level with the talent. To unlock the next card, Liam needed to raise his physical and technical attributes to at least 60 and increase his fusion level with the first card to 33%.

The only way to do that was through intense training.

That was why he had come to Luca Savic.

Liam could have trained at Crystal Palace's youth academy, but he wasn't sure how fast his system's effects would kick in. If his abilities improved too dramatically overnight, it might raise suspicion.

Though sudden progress wasn't unheard of—many young players experienced rapid development—it was better not to take unnecessary risks. Besides, since he had already decided to leave Crystal Palace, there was no need to go back.

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