Rise of a Football God

After 20 matchdays of the English premier league, more than halfway through the season already, incredibly, Fulham still led the line at the top of the premier league table rankings.

After the game against Ipswich Town, Fulham supporters regained their voice after their previous run of 2 games without a win.

They were having a truly terrific season.

Due to the tight schedule of football leagues, professional football players barely had time for themselves for festivities and even if they did, it was always limited. Despite this, the reality was that this was still a festive period.

It was still just early January and people were still enjoying the Christmas and New Year spirit.

Having played 4 games between 26th December and today, 6th January, the Fulham players barely had any meaningful time for themselves but coincidentally, Sam no longer suffered this with his teammates because of his injury.

His injury made him sad, but at the same time it gave Sam some-much needed time to catch up with his life outside football.

Because of the fact that he was in a rehabilitation period from his injury, he got the luxury of fully engaging in the festive period though it was already late.

To Sam though, it was not too late, it was still a rare opportunity to enjoy himself with his girlfriend and that was what he did.

The next day after Fulham's win against Ipswich Town, still in a happy mood from his team winning, Sam finally decided to participate in the festivities.

Taking Kayla's car, on the 6th of January, 2025, they had another amazing lovers' day out in Netherlands as they went shopping.

Feeling generous due to his good mood, Sam splurged money, buying a lot of things for himself and his girlfriend.

He didn't stop at that as he bought souvenirs that he would give to his best friend, Ian on getting back to England; he also bought for Emile Smith Rowe too.

And finally, he did not forget to shop for his family too. From when he was younger, there were a few things that his parents always fantasized about but left it at just fantasy simply because they didn't have the means to get them.

But now, Sam decided to meet this old dream of theirs.

For his mom especially, he bought some expensive jewelries, those she always raved about when watching Indian drama series on Zee World back then.

Also, Sam decided to shop on behalf of his girlfriend's parents.

Yes, Kayla Banks' parents lived here in Netherlands.
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Sam had heard a lot about Kayla's parents and vice versa but today, after speaking with his girlfriend about it, in a good mood, he finally decided that he was ready to meet them.

After the shopping session, they drove to an African food restaurant where they enjoyed themselves, and then they finally drove to Mr. Banks' home.

Kayla's parents were just like she told him about. Both were English citizens but her father was black, it explained her love for the black culture.

Kayla looked just like her mom. Looking at the older woman, Sam was stunned at the uncanny resemblance. 'Damn! They're cut from the same tree!'

And then, the middle-aged man initiated a conversation, smiling. "Sam, I hear that you're from Africa, how's Africa these days?"

Feeling the familiar energy in that question, Sam stared at this middle-aged man with wide eyes. "Sir, you've been to Africa?"

Mr. Banks chuckled. "I grew up in South Africa".

"Wow!" Now, everything made sense, but why did Kayla not tell him this? He briefly glared at his girlfriend who chuckled on seeing his reaction.

Sam met Mr. Banks for the first time today but in no time, the both of them gelled as they discussed a lot of topics, ranging from Africa and its economy, to Nigeria, to South Africa, and then football.

Walking to the balcony where they overlooked the world below, they conversed in a familiar manner.

Mr. Banks was also a big football fan. Actually, he was a Liverpool fan meaning that this season, his club was Sam's biggest rival.

"Sam, I don't want Fulham to win the league but if you must do it, can you promise me something?"

Sam scratched the back of his head. "Umm, sir, I can't promise without knowing what you'll ask".

This middle-aged man hesitated, he coughed, and then he suddenly faced Sam. "Sam, sign for Liverpool next season!"

"…"

Sam was speechless, he coughed. "Umm, that…"

"Please". He pleaded shamelessly.

Sam was tongue-tied.

Right at that moment, the door to the balcony was flung open as someone stormed in. "Dad…!" Kayla complained. "This is why I didn't want you to meet him, I knew you'd be like this!"

"Sam, let's go".

Mr. Banks looked at her. "Women…," he scoffed. "What do you know?"

Sam chuckled. "I'm sorry Mr. Banks," he looked at him. "I would have agreed just to please you if I didn't have a dream to play in a specific club".

Hearing that, Mr. Banks snorted. "The Real Madrid dream, right? That broken club will definitely sign you at the first opportunity if you offer yourself up".

Sam grinned. "Actually, my dream is to play for their rival".

Mr. Banks' eyes widened. "You mean FC Barcelona?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah, I'm the biggest Barca fan in the world!" He boasted.

"I'll lead FC Barcelona back to the top of the footballing world, I promise!"

Mr. Banks was stunned, clearly, he did not expect that from Sam. In the end, he chuckled. "Goodluck then Sam, I'll follow your career closer from now".

Sam and Kayla spent the most of the day at her parents' home as Sam used the rare opportunity to bond with her parents.

At the end of it all, they finally returned to Kayla's apartment were taking his iPhone out, Sam dialed a number.

(Outgoing video call to Best Mom…)

Click!

As soon as a familiar face appeared on the screen, she glared at him but once she noticed the other face beside Sam, her face lit up.

"Kayla my daughter!" Mrs. Moses' mood improved immediately. "How are you doing? Thanks for taking care of my son in my absence".

And just like that, the 2 women monopolized Sam's phone.

'I was the one who called!' Sam cried.