The next day, Riley had gotten to training early. Since he was early he thought he should just keep himself busy with a few exercises to wait for the others. He set up the cones and got to work. 20 minutes later, the other player's started showing up. Riley didn't need anyone to tell him to tidy up the equipment as he did it on his own.
Coach Mike approached the players with a slight smile. "Good afternoon boys. Nice to see you all. Let me introduce our new addition…" Coach Mike motioned for Riley to come closer, "This is Riley Santos, a 14 year old Portuguese midfielder. Welcome him." The team clapped their hands and some started having flashbacks from yesterday when Riley tormented them. They still couldn't believe he was 14. "Riley is joining us and he will be in contention for our Uefa Youth League match against København U19 on the 2nd of November 2022."
Mike waited to let his word sink into the players and scanned them for anyone who didn't agree with him. He was satisfied when he saw no one raising an eyebrow to his arrangement. "I would like you guys to take this training seriously. Go on now." Mike finished his speech and sent the players away. "Riley, a word please." The assistant manager called for Riley who was ready to leave with his new teammates. "Yes, coach?" Riley perked up. The AC smiled and asked, "What squad number would you like?" The question stunned Riley for a second but he quickly collected himself, this was natural. Riley started to think, his birthday was on the 7th of March 2008. Naturally he would like 7 for that reason but he was sure number 7 was alright taken. "I would like number 18 if it's available coach." After thinking Riley told the AC.
The AC nodded and let him join the training drills. Riley jogged to the group and he got acquainted with a few of his teammates, he especially got close with the guy who he provided the assist for in yesterday's scrimmage. His name is August O'Brian a little kid from the USA who impressed one of the many Dortmund scouts some years ago.
The training went on for a while and coach Mike on the side kept nodding his head clearly liking what he was seeing. The match is in 2 days on Wednesday and they had to travel to Denmark for the match. The training ended and the players went to the locker rooms to wash up. Riley after he finished his shower got dressed and waited for August because he wanted to go with him to the cafeteria. The under 19's kit man entered the room scanning for someone and he quickly saw Riley and went to him and gave him his team jersey.
Riley was surprised at how fast they got done with it. He spread it and it looked good, the number 18 settling perfectly. They don't put names on the youth team kit. Riley however dreamed of placing, Santos on it. August was done with his things and he praised, "Wow, cool man. Care to share the story behind the number 18?" Riley looked at this new friend of his who's eyes were shining with curiosity. "Nothing major bro, It's just some important numbers all added up."
After that Riley and August walked towards the cafeteria, along the way the two got really close as August the only child started seeing Riley as his little brother. August had asked Riley to give him his number but Riley told him he didn't have a phone, August a little disappointed but he let it go. They soon entered the cafeteria and begin eating their food. Riley was loving life here in Germany but he would always remember his father's words 'Remember where you come from'
Grandpa Nux came over to call Riley and told him they should leave and Riley bade farewell to his new teammates and got in the car and left. "So how was it kid?" Nux asked. Riley with a little smile on his face, "It was great Grandpa Nux. I might not have to wait a long time to carve my name in football history." Riley answered enthusiastically. "Hahahaha, of course it won't be that long. I bet within 5 years you will be our star man in the senior team."