Tobi never thought silence could be this loud.
It was two days after the Sevilla match, and the applause still hadn't come. Not from the media. Not from fans. Not even in the press ratings. Despite his assist, despite a composed performance against one of Spain's most aggressive midfields, the match reports barely mentioned his name.
It didn't sting — not in the way it used to. He wasn't chasing spotlight anymore. But he felt it. That old itch in his chest. The whisper of recognition that never came.
Still, Tobi showed up to training with his boots laced and his mind sharp.
Coach Ramos noticed.
"Good. Stay quiet. Let the work speak."
So he did.
---
At home, things were... better. But busier.
Inês had taken on a new set of agent responsibilities for another rising youth player at the Valencia academy — a 15-year-old winger from Cádiz whose parents didn't understand football contracts. She did it pro bono.