The King Of Arsenal

Chapter 100: 95. Another Step Towards Independence



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After dinner, Francesco helped clear the table, chatting with his mother as they cleaned up. The house was filled with a sense of tranquility, the kind that only came from being surrounded by loved ones. As the evening wound down, he found himself reflecting on the day's events, the highs and the challenges, and the unwavering support of his family.

The next morning, Francesco woke up feeling refreshed, the previous night's dinner and the comforting presence of his family still lingering in his mind. The sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across his room. He stretched lazily, savoring the peace of the morning before swinging his legs over the side of the bed and standing up.

He grabbed his towel and headed to the bathroom, the cool tiles under his feet a stark contrast to the warmth of his bed. The hot water from the shower was invigorating, washing away the remnants of sleep and leaving him feeling ready to tackle the day ahead. As he stood under the stream, his thoughts drifted to the day's training session and the goals he had set for himself.

After his shower, Francesco dressed casually in a comfortable hoodie and jeans before heading downstairs. The aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon greeted him, a familiar and comforting scent that immediately made him smile. Entering the kitchen, he saw his mom, Sarah, bustling around, preparing breakfast, while his dad, Mike, sat at the table with a newspaper in hand.

"Morning, Mom. Morning, Dad," Francesco greeted, sliding into his usual seat at the table.

"Morning, sweetheart," Sarah replied, turning to give him a warm smile. "Breakfast will be ready in a minute."

"Morning, champ," Mike added, glancing up from his paper. "You sleep well?"

"Yeah, slept like a log," Francesco replied, pouring himself a glass of orange juice. "Dinner must've knocked me out."

Sarah chuckled as she placed a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast in front of him. "Well, you earned it after that performance yesterday."

They ate together, the conversation flowing easily. The sound of forks clinking against plates and the occasional laughter filled the room, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Francesco loved these moments, where life felt simple and grounded.

After breakfast, Francesco excused himself and went to check the mail. The crisp morning air was refreshing as he stepped outside, the neighborhood still quiet in the early hours. He walked to the mailbox, the routine act bringing a sense of normalcy. Opening it, he sifted through a few envelopes before his eyes landed on one with his name on it, the sender being the Driving School.

Curiosity piqued, Francesco quickly opened the envelope. Inside was a letter along with a card—his provisional driving license. A grin spread across his face as he pulled out the card, inspecting it closely. The realization that he was now officially one step closer to getting his full license was exciting. He couldn't wait to share the news with his parents.

He hurried back inside, holding the envelope and card up as he entered the kitchen. "Look what came in the mail!" he announced, a hint of pride in his voice.

Sarah turned from the sink, drying her hands on a towel, while Mike looked up from his paper. "What is it?" his dad asked.

"My provisional license," Francesco said, handing it over for them to see.

Sarah took the card, her face lighting up with pride. "That's wonderful, Francesco! You're growing up so fast."

Mike nodded approvingly, passing the card back. "Congratulations, son. Just remember, driving comes with a lot of responsibility."

"I know, Dad," Francesco assured him, slipping the card back into his wallet. "I'll be careful."

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of activity. Francesco gathered his training gear and said goodbye to his parents before heading out. The drive to the training ground was peaceful, the rhythmic hum of the car engine blending with the soft music playing on the radio.

Arriving at the Arsenal Training Centre, Francesco felt a surge of energy. The camaraderie among the team, the rigorous drills, and the strategic planning all contributed to the excitement of being part of something bigger. Today's session was particularly intense, with Wenger pushing the team to refine their tactics and maintain their momentum.

As Francesco stepped onto the pitch, he felt ready to give his all. The previous day's match had been a triumph, but there was always room for improvement. He focused on each drill, listening intently to the coaches' feedback and applying their advice.

The hours flew by as the team worked tirelessly, honing their skills and strengthening their unity. By the time the session ended, Francesco was exhausted but satisfied. He knew that every drop of sweat and every ounce of effort brought them closer to their goals.

After training, Francesco decided to stay behind for a bit of extra practice. He worked on his shooting, aiming to perfect his technique and increase his accuracy. The ball felt like an extension of himself as he struck it again and again, each shot bringing him closer to the level of excellence he aspired to.

When he finally called it a day, the sun was beginning to dip towards the horizon, casting a golden hue over the training ground. Francesco gathered his things and headed to the locker room, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. He knew that every bit of effort he put in now would pay off in the future.

Driving home, he reflected on the day's events. The thrill of receiving his provisional license, the intensity of training, and the satisfaction of hard work all blended together, leaving him with a sense of fulfillment. As he pulled into his driveway, he felt grateful for the opportunities and support he had in his life.

Entering the house, he was greeted by the familiar warmth and the enticing smell of dinner cooking. His parents were waiting for him in the living room, their smiles welcoming him home.

"Long day?" Sarah asked, noticing the tired but content expression on his face.

"Yeah, but a good one," Francesco replied, dropping his bag by the door and joining them. "Training was tough, but I feel like I'm improving every day."

Mike clapped him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit, son. Keep at it, and you'll achieve great things."

The comforting hum of conversation filled the living room as Francesco settled in with his parents, relishing the quiet moments of family togetherness. His mind lingered on the day's achievements—the thrill of earning his provisional license, the grueling yet rewarding training session, and the comforting knowledge that every step brought him closer to his dreams.

The savory aroma of dinner wafted in from the kitchen, pulling Francesco from his thoughts. His stomach grumbled in anticipation, prompting a chuckle from his father.

"Sounds like someone's ready for dinner," Mike teased, glancing at Francesco.

"Definitely," Francesco replied, grinning. "Mom's cooking always hits the spot."

Moments later, Sarah emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming casserole dish. "Dinner's ready!" she announced, her voice cheerful as she placed the dish on the dining table. The inviting spread of roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and freshly baked bread immediately drew Francesco and Mike to their seats.

"Everything looks amazing, Mom," Francesco praised as he sat down.

Sarah smiled warmly. "Thank you, sweetheart. I'm glad you're hungry."

The family dug into the meal, savoring each bite. The conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and the occasional lighthearted banter. Francesco found himself feeling deeply content, the warmth of the meal and the company of his family creating a perfect end to the day.

After dinner, Francesco helped clear the table, rinsing his dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. His parents retreated to the living room, while he made his way upstairs for a much-needed shower.

The hot water was a soothing balm, washing away the sweat and fatigue from the day's efforts. Francesco let the steam envelop him, enjoying the brief respite before stepping out and wrapping himself in a towel. As he dried off, his thoughts drifted to his provisional license once again.

Excitement bubbled within him. He couldn't resist sharing the news with his friends and followers. Throwing on a comfortable pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, Francesco grabbed his phone and snapped a picture of the license card, holding it up against the neutral background of his room.

He opened Instagram, selected the photo, and quickly typed out a caption: "Finally don't have to worry about getting a ticket from the police because I don't have this." Adding a few celebratory emojis, he hit the post button, watching as the image and caption went live.

Almost instantly, the notifications started rolling in. Friends and teammates began liking the post and leaving comments of congratulations. Some shared humorous anecdotes about their own driving experiences, while others simply expressed their excitement for him.

Francesco felt a surge of happiness reading the comments. It was a small milestone, but one that marked another step towards independence. He scrolled through the responses, replying to a few with lighthearted banter.

With the warmth of family time still lingering, Francesco made his way back downstairs, settling into the comfortable embrace of the living room couch. The soft glow of the television illuminated the space as he flipped through channels, eventually landing on a sports pundit show. He stretched out, his legs propped up on the coffee table, and let the familiar rhythm of football commentary fill the room.

The discussion was centered around the Premier League title race, an intensely competitive season that had fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats. Francesco's interest piqued as the pundits delved into the current standings, breaking down the top three teams.

"Chelsea currently lead the table with 53 points," one of the pundits began, his tone measured and analytical. "They've been consistent, grinding out results week after week, and it's paid off. Their defensive solidity under Tuchel has been remarkable, and their ability to capitalize on chances has kept them ahead."

The screen shifted to highlight Manchester City, sitting in second place with 48 points. "City's just five points behind, but they've got a game in hand," another pundit chimed in. "Guardiola's side has been relentless, and their depth in squad allows them to rotate effectively without losing quality. They're very much in the hunt for the title."

Francesco leaned forward slightly as the conversation turned to Arsenal, who shared the same point tally as City but trailed on goal difference, placing them third. A familiar excitement bubbled in his chest as the pundits began to analyze Arsenal's performance.

"Now, Arsenal," the first pundit resumed, a smile playing on his lips. "They've been the surprise package of the season. Many didn't expect them to be in the title race, especially after a shaky start. But since December, they've been on an incredible run."

Another pundit interjected, "And a big part of that turnaround has been Francesco Lee. His debut against Southampton in December was nothing short of spectacular, and he's continued to impress ever since."

The screen displayed a highlight reel of Francesco's goals and assists, each clip showcasing his flair, agility, and instinct in front of goal. The commentators marveled at his impact, particularly given his age.

"Fifteen goals and four assists in just ten matches," one pundit stated, shaking his head in disbelief. "For a 16-year-old in his first professional season, that's almost unheard of. His composure, vision, and ability to read the game have added a new dimension to Arsenal's attack."

Francesco felt a flush of pride but remained modest, knowing that his success was as much about the team's collective effort as it was about his individual contributions.

"What's even more impressive," another pundit added, "is his adaptability. Whether he's playing on the wing or through the middle, Francesco has shown maturity beyond his years. He's not just a finisher; he's also creating chances for his teammates."

The pundits continued to dissect Arsenal's tactics, crediting the manager for integrating Francesco seamlessly into the squad. They highlighted the support he received from seasoned players like Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey, who helped nurture his talent and confidence on the pitch.

Francesco's mind drifted back to his journey so far. The long hours of training, the sacrifices, and the unwavering belief from his family and coaches had all led to this point. Watching the pundits praise his performances felt surreal, but it also fueled his determination to keep improving.

The discussion eventually shifted to upcoming fixtures, with the pundits speculating on how the title race might unfold. Francesco listened intently, mentally preparing himself for the challenges ahead. The pressure was mounting, but he welcomed it, knowing that every game was an opportunity to prove himself and help Arsenal climb to the top.

As the show wrapped up, Francesco turned off the TV and leaned back, the room now quiet except for the faint hum of the heater. He reflected on the day's events, from the joy of earning his provisional license to the pride of being recognized for his contributions on the pitch. It had been a whirlwind few months, but he felt grounded, supported by his family and driven by his ambitions.

He grabbed his phone and sent a quick message to his teammates' group chat, sharing a lighthearted comment about the pundits' analysis. The responses came swiftly, filled with emojis and jokes, a reminder of the camaraderie that made being part of Arsenal so special.

As he prepared to call it a night, Francesco felt a deep sense of gratitude. The journey was just beginning, but with each step, he felt more confident and ready to face whatever came next. The dreams he once held as a boy were now within reach, and he was determined to seize every moment.

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Name : Francesco Lee

Age : 16 (2014)

Birthplace : London, England

Football Club : Arsenal First Team

Championship History : None

Match Played: 3

Goal: 17

Assist: 6

MOTM: 4

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