Nico gently took her hand and led her to a nearby bench. The airport buzzed with life around them—people rushing past, flight announcements echoing overhead—but in their little corner, it felt like time had slowed down.
They sat close, their shoulders brushing. Aitana swung her legs slightly, staring down at the floor. "It still feels weird," she admitted. "Knowing you won't be around for a year."
Nico exhaled, leaning back against the bench. "It's just a season. I'll be back before you know it."
She hummed, unconvinced. "It won't be the same."
He reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "I'll call every day. Annoy you with texts. You'll probably get sick of me."
Aitana let out a soft laugh, but it quickly faded. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too."
They sat in silence for a while, just holding onto the moment. Neither of them wanted to say goodbye just yet.
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Nico took a deep breath and got up, pulling Aitana into a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around him, holding on for a little longer than usual, as if trying to make the moment last.
As he pulled back slightly, she cupped his face and pressed a gentle kiss on his lips. It was soft, lingering, filled with unspoken words neither of them could say.
He rested his forehead against hers for a second before whispering, "Love you."
Aitana smiled faintly, her voice just above a whisper. "Love you too."
He gave her one last look, then turned and walked toward his gate. He didn't look back, but he could still feel her eyes on him.
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As Nico stepped out of Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, the warm Roman air wrapped around him, carrying the distant hum of the city. He took a deep breath, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder. The golden hue of the setting sun painted the sky as he scanned the area. Then, he spotted Jorge standing near a sleek black car, casually leaning against it, arms crossed, watching him with a knowing smirk.
"Welcome to Rome, kid," Jorge greeted as Nico approached.
Nico tossed his bag into the backseat and slid into the passenger seat. The car smelled of fresh leather, and the engine purred smoothly as Jorge pulled onto the road.
"So, the house is all set," Jorge said, glancing at Nico. "You know, I could've gotten you a villa."
Nico scoffed, shaking his head. "I'm staying alone, you know. What am I gonna do with a huge villa? Invite ghosts over for dinner?"
Jorge let out a chuckle, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel. "You'd be surprised. Some guys your age love that kind of luxury. Big pool, fancy furniture, private chef—"
"Yeah, and all that space would just remind me that I'm alone," Nico said, stretching his arms behind his head. "An apartment is fine. Just a place to rest, nothing more."
Jorge gave a small nod, seemingly impressed by Nico's practicality. "Fair enough," he said. "Anyway, you've got a few days before you have to report for training. Rome is a beautiful city—go out, explore, eat some good food, enjoy yourself. No pressure yet."
Nico looked out the window, watching as the streets of Rome came alive around him. Cobblestone roads, grand historic buildings, and cozy cafés filled with laughter and conversation. This was his new home, at least for the next year. A new adventure was beginning, and while there was an air of uncertainty, there was also excitement.
A small smirk crept onto his lips. "Yeah," he murmured. "Let's see what Rome has to offer."
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Nico stepped out of the car, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he turned to Jorge.
"Alright, I'll see you later," he said.
Jorge gave him a nod. "Yeah, kid. Remember, take it easy for now. You've got time before training starts. Enjoy Rome."
With that, Nico waved and headed toward the entrance of his new apartment. The moment he stepped inside, a small smile tugged at his lips. It was exactly how he had envisioned it. The walls were a deep shade of blue, giving the space a modern yet cozy feel. The furniture was sleek and minimal—nothing extravagant, just practical and stylish. A large window let in the golden evening light, casting soft shadows across the polished wooden floor.
He dropped his bag by the couch and walked around, taking in the details. The living room had a comfortable couch facing a flat-screen TV, with a few framed football posters on the walls. His bedroom was simple but elegant, the bed neatly made with dark sheets. In the corner, a small desk and chair sat near the window, perfect for late-night thinking.
It felt right.
With a satisfied sigh, he unzipped his suitcase and started unpacking. He placed his clothes in the wardrobe, set up his toiletries in the bathroom, and arranged his boots neatly by the door. By the time he was done, the place truly felt like home.
He flopped onto the couch, stretching out as he stared at the ceiling.
A new city. A new club. A new challenge.
Nico smirked to himself. "Alright, Rome. Let's see what you've got."
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Nico stepped out of his apartment, taking in the warm Roman air as he adjusted his jacket. The city buzzed with life, a mix of locals and tourists filling the streets. He decided to start his exploration with the most iconic landmark—the Colosseum.
As he approached the massive structure, he couldn't help but admire its grandeur. Even after centuries, it still stood proudly, a testament to Rome's history and power. He walked along the perimeter, observing the towering arches and ancient stone, imagining the battles that once took place inside.
As he was looking around, a girl, probably in her early teens, cautiously approached him. She had a hopeful smile, her hands gripping a phone tightly.
"Excuse me," she said in slightly accented English. "Can I take a photo with you?"
Nico blinked in surprise. "Uh, sure. Do you know me?" he asked with a small chuckle.
She nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! I'm a huge fan! I can't wait to see you play in Rome!"
Her parents stood nearby, watching with warm smiles. Nico felt a sense of pride swell in his chest. He had only just arrived, and yet, there were already people excited to see him play.
He stepped beside her, offering a friendly grin as her parents took a photo. After snapping a couple of shots, the girl beamed up at him.
"Grazie, Nico! Good luck this season!" she said cheerfully before hurrying back to her parents.
Nico gave her a small wave before turning back to the Colosseum. He smiled to himself. His new journey was just beginning, and Rome was already making him feel at home.
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After leaving the Colosseum, Nico decided to continue his exploration. His next stop was the Pantheon, one of the most well-preserved monuments of Ancient Rome. As he walked through the cobblestone streets, he admired the stunning architecture surrounding him—the mix of ancient and modern Rome blending seamlessly.
When he reached the Pantheon, he stood in awe at the massive columns and the grand entrance. Stepping inside, he was immediately captivated by the vast dome and the oculus at its center, allowing a beam of sunlight to pour in. The intricate details of the marble floors and the towering statues fascinated him. He took a deep breath, feeling a strange sense of peace in the historic space.
After spending some time wandering around, he stepped back outside, where he was greeted by the lively atmosphere of the square. The scent of fresh food filled the air, and his stomach reminded him that he hadn't eaten since arriving. He spotted a small, traditional pizzeria nearby and decided to try an authentic Italian pizza.
He ordered a Margherita pizza, keeping it simple, and took a seat outside, watching the bustling life of Rome pass by. When the pizza arrived, he took a bite, and his eyes widened slightly—it was incredible. The crispy yet airy crust, the fresh tomato sauce, the creamy mozzarella, and the hint of basil made it one of the best things he had ever tasted.
"Alright, Italian pizza is officially on another level," he muttered to himself, finishing every last bite.
Feeling satisfied and a bit tired from the long day, he decided to head back home. As he walked through the dimly lit streets of Rome, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was just the beginning, and he already knew that this city had something special in store for him.
When he finally got back to his apartment, he threw himself onto the couch, letting out a deep sigh. He pulled out his phone and scrolled through the pictures he had taken that day, already thinking about what he wanted to explore next. Tomorrow was another day, and there was still so much of Rome to see.
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For the next few days, Nico fully embraced his time in Rome, wandering through the city's most famous landmarks.
He visited the Trevi Fountain, standing in awe of the stunning baroque masterpiece. He watched as tourists tossed coins into the crystal-clear water, making wishes. Smirking, he decided to follow the tradition, flipping a coin over his shoulder. "Let's see if this actually works," he muttered.
Next, he explored the Vatican City, walking through St. Peter's Basilica and marveling at the breathtaking art and architecture. He stood beneath Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, staring at the intricate ceiling, feeling as if he had stepped into a different world. The sheer history and grandeur of the place left him speechless.
On another day, he wandered through the Roman Forum, imagining how life must have been during the Roman Empire. The ruins, though aged, still held an air of power and mystery. As he walked past the towering pillars and crumbling arches, he couldn't help but be fascinated by how time had shaped the city.
In between sightseeing, he indulged in Rome's finest cuisine—trying carbonara, gelato, and the famous supplì (deep-fried rice balls). Each meal made him appreciate the richness of Italian food even more.
With each passing day, he found himself falling in love with the city. There was a certain magic in Rome, a timeless beauty that made him feel at ease. But as the days went by, he knew that soon, his focus would have to shift. His vacation was coming to an end. It was almost time to report for training at AS Roma.
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Then, on June 27th, Nico woke up early and went through his usual routine—starting with yoga, followed by a jog through the quiet Roman streets, and finishing with an intense gym session to keep himself in top shape. After washing up, he pulled on his AS Roma training gear, the deep red and gold looking sharp against his skin.
Stepping out of his apartment, he took a deep breath. The excitement of a new chapter filled his chest as he made his way to Trigoria – Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini, AS Roma's legendary training ground. The moment had arrived. It was time to step into his new journey.
He entered Trigoria – Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini and took a moment to look around. The training facility was massive, with pristine pitches stretching out in the distance, the club's emblem proudly displayed on the buildings. Players and staff moved around with purpose, some engaged in drills, others chatting in small groups.
The atmosphere was different from Barcelona—warmer, more intense in a way. He could already hear the sound of footballs being struck, the coaches barking instructions, and the faint chatter of Italian voices. This was his new home for the season.
As he took a few steps forward, someone approached him.
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He turned around to see Rudi Garcia, AS Roma's head coach, walking toward him with a confident stride. The Frenchman had a calm yet authoritative presence, his sharp eyes studying Nico as he extended his hand.
"Nico Cryuff," Garcia said with a small smile. "Welcome to Roma."
Nico shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, coach. I'm excited to be here."
Garcia nodded. "Good. We have high expectations for you. You've already made quite a name for yourself, and I know you'll bring something special to this team."
Nico smiled slightly. "I'll give my all, coach. Always."
Garcia placed a hand on his shoulder. "That's what I like to hear. Come, let's introduce you to the squad."
With that, he led Nico toward the training grounds, where his new teammates were waiting.
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Garcia blew the whistle, and the players quickly gathered around. The chatter faded as they turned to face him.
"Alright, listen up," Garcia said, his voice commanding. "We have a new player joining us this season. You all know who he is."
He gestured toward Nico. "Nico Cryuff, on loan from Barcelona. A special talent, and I expect you all to welcome him as one of our own."
Before Nico could even speak, Alessandro Florenzi grinned. "Welcome? The guy doesn't need a welcome; he needs an investigation. 21 matches, 25 goals, 23 assists at 14? Are you even human?"
Daniele De Rossi shook his head, laughing. "Seriously, did they check your birth certificate? Be honest, are you actually 25?"
Nico smirked. "I guess I just like scoring goals."
"Yeah, no kidding," Miralem Pjanić chimed in. "Bro, leave some for the rest of us! What are we supposed to do this season, just watch?"
"Man, I saw that Copa del Rey final," Seydou Keita added. "97th-minute screamer against Barcelona, then ice-cold in the penalty shootout? You had the entire Espanyol squad celebrating like they won the Champions League."
Francesco Totti finally spoke up, shaking his head with an amused smile. "Kid, if you keep this up, Serie A might have to change its rules. Maybe limit you to one goal per game, just to be fair."
The players laughed, giving Nico playful nudges as Garcia rolled his eyes. "Alright, enough worshipping the kid. Time to see if he can do all that when he's actually training with us."
As the session started, Nico couldn't help but grin. It was good to feel at home already.
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Author's note : sorry for the delay in chapters guys , i lost my draft , dont ask me how . i had to sit and rewrite almost 140 chapters . ill be uploading regularly from today .