Part 1: Under the Shadow of Stars
Life at Real Madrid was both a blessing and a curse for Abeer. On one hand, he was surrounded by some of the best footballers in the world—the Galácticos. He trained alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário, Luís Figo, and Roberto Carlos. Every day, he absorbed lessons from these legends, studying their techniques, mental toughness, and leadership. But on the other hand, the depth of talent in the squad meant that Abeer's opportunities to shine on the pitch were limited.
At just 15, he was still too young and raw to demand a place in the starting lineup. The coaches admired his potential, but for now, he was mostly watching from the sidelines, occasionally getting a few minutes during training matches or youth team games. The frustration of waiting for his chance weighed heavily on him, but Abeer understood that patience was part of the journey.
"I have to use this time to improve every aspect of my game," he reminded himself after another training session where he barely touched the ball. "When the opportunity comes, I need to be ready."
Part 2: Training in the Shadows
Despite his limited playing time, Abeer approached every training session as if it were a Champions League final. His mind was set on improving his key attributes: dribbling, speed, passing, and, most importantly, his ability to deliver crucial crosses.
His footwork became a primary focus. One day, after a particularly exhausting training session, Abeer stayed behind to work on his dribbling. He set up cones in a zig-zag pattern and began weaving through them, pushing himself to improve his agility and ball control. He imitated Zidane's famous "roulette" turns, Ronaldo's stepovers, and Figo's quick feet.
After what felt like hours of repetitive drills, Abeer's coach approached him, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "You have the talent, Abeer," the coach said with a smile. "But it's not just about technical skills. You need to build the confidence to use them when it matters."
Abeer nodded, but he already knew this. He wanted to be more than just a technically gifted player—he wanted to dominate games, to make an impact every time he touched the ball.
Part 3: The Art of the Cross
One day during a practice match, Abeer had a moment that would stay with him. He found himself on the right wing, racing down the sideline. The defender was closing in, but Abeer faked inside before cutting back outside, leaving his marker behind. With a burst of speed, he made his way toward the corner flag and delivered a perfect cross into the box.
The ball curled with precision, avoiding the defenders and landing directly at the feet of the striker, who smashed it into the net. The team cheered, but for Abeer, it was more than just an assist. It was a small victory, a sign that his hard work was paying off.
Over the following weeks, he focused even more on his crossing technique. Every day after practice, he would stay behind to whip crosses into the penalty area, experimenting with different angles, speeds, and curves. His teammates began to notice the improvement. The crosses were no longer just hopeful balls into the box—they were dangerous, pinpoint deliveries that could decide games.
Part 4: Speed and Confrontation
As a winger, speed was crucial to Abeer's game. He was naturally quick, but he wanted to be faster. He spent hours working on sprint drills, focusing on improving his acceleration and stamina. Every time he got the ball in training, his first instinct was to take on his defender, forcing them into uncomfortable positions.
One of the senior players, Roberto Carlos, took notice of Abeer's efforts. Known for his blistering pace, Roberto pulled Abeer aside one afternoon.
"Speed isn't just about running fast," Roberto explained. "It's about timing, decision-making, and knowing when to use it. If you go full throttle every time, defenders will predict it. Sometimes, you need to slow down, make them think, and then explode when they least expect it."
Abeer listened closely, absorbing the advice. Over the next few weeks, he began experimenting with this concept in training. He would lull his defender into a false sense of security with slower movements before suddenly accelerating past them. The tactic worked more often than not, and soon, he found himself breezing past defenders who once seemed impossible to beat.
Part 5: Waiting for His Moment
Despite his improvements, Abeer remained on the bench for most of Real Madrid's matches. The frustration of not playing gnawed at him, but he knew better than to complain. Every day in training was a chance to prove himself, and he made sure to impress the coaches with his work ethic and attitude.
One day, during a team meeting, the coach singled him out.
"Abeer, you've been working hard," the coach said. "We see your progress. Keep it up, and your chance will come."
Those words kept Abeer going, even when it felt like he was stuck in the shadows of Madrid's brightest stars. He knew that when the opportunity finally arrived, he would seize it with both hands.
Part 6: A Future in Milan?
As the season wore on, rumors began to swirl about Abeer's future. Word had spread across Europe about the young winger's potential, and scouts from top clubs were taking notice. AC Milan, in particular, had expressed interest. The Italian giants were looking to rebuild their squad with young, talented players, and Abeer's name had come up in discussions.
At first, Abeer dismissed the rumors. He had joined Real Madrid with the dream of playing alongside the Galácticos, of winning titles in Spain. But as the months went by and his playing time remained limited, the idea of moving to Milan began to make more sense.
Part 7: Decision Time
By the end of the season, Abeer had a decision to make. Real Madrid was his boyhood dream, but the lack of opportunities was holding him back. AC Milan, on the other hand, was offering a fresh start, a place where he could establish himself as a first-team regular and continue his development.
Abeer sat in his apartment, deep in thought. His phone buzzed with messages from his agent, urging him to make a decision. He also spoke with his father, who reminded him that sometimes, a difficult choice leads to greater things.
After much reflection, Abeer made up his mind. The allure of Milan was too strong to resist. He knew that if he stayed at Madrid, he would always be in the shadows of the club's star players. But at Milan, he had the chance to become a star himself.
Part 8: The Transfer
On a warm summer afternoon, Abeer's transfer to AC Milan was made official. It was a bittersweet moment. Leaving Real Madrid, the club that had nurtured him, was difficult. But the excitement of a new challenge filled him with hope.
His market value had risen to €20 million, and the football world was watching. Many wondered if Abeer would live up to the hype. But those who had seen him train knew that the young winger was destined for greatness.
As he boarded the flight to Milan, Abeer looked out the window, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling inside him.
"This is the start of something big," he thought.
Part 9: Milan Awaits
Arriving in Milan, Abeer was greeted by a whirlwind of media attention. Fans were excited about the club's new signing, hoping that Abeer could help bring back the glory days to the San Siro.
His first training session at Milan was intense. The Italian style of football was different from what he had experienced in Spain. It was more tactical, more focused on discipline and structure. But Abeer quickly adapted, using the skills he had honed in Madrid to stand out among his new teammates.
Part 10: A New Chapter Begins
As Abeer settled into life in Milan, he realized that this was exactly what he needed. The change of environment, the opportunity to play regularly, and the chance to become a key player for a club with a rich history.
His time at Real Madrid had shaped him, but Milan would be where he made his mark.