The Premier League was an entirely different beast. The stadiums were larger, the crowds louder, and the stakes higher. Brighton's promotion to the top tier of English football had thrust us into the limelight, and suddenly, we found ourselves playing against the giants of English football - teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
I had dreamt of this moment my entire life, but nothing could prepare me for the reality of it. The first game of the season was against Manchester City, one of the most formidable teams in the league. Their squad boasted world-class players like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.
Walking onto the pitch, I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. The stadium was a sea of blue and white, the noise deafening. I remember looking around, taking in the sight of 50,000 fans chanting and singing. It was surreal.
The match was tough, as expected. City was a well-oiled machine, their passes crisp and precise. But we held our own. Despite the pressure, we played with a determination and resilience that surprised many. The final score was a 2-2 draw, a result that we were incredibly proud of.
Despite the positive start, the season was not without its challenges. The media scrutiny was intense, and there were those who questioned my ability, claiming that I was just a media-hyped player. But I used their criticism as fuel, working even harder to prove them wrong.
One of the highlights of the season was a match against Liverpool. It was a fiercely contested game, and I managed to score the winning goal - a curling free-kick that sailed past the goalkeeper into the top corner. That moment, standing in front of the cheering fans, was one I'll never forget.
Off the pitch, life was changing too. I had to deal with newfound fame and the responsibilities that came with it. There were endorsement deals, media interviews, and charity events. It was a whirlwind, but I was surrounded by a great team and supportive family who helped me navigate through it.
Chapter 12 was about transition, about stepping up to a bigger stage. It was about facing challenges head-on, about proving doubters wrong. It was about perseverance, about holding on to the dream, even when the odds were stacked against you. This was just the beginning. The Premier League was waiting, and I was ready to make my mark.