The sun barely peeked through the grey Manchester clouds as Daniel arrived early for training. His body still ached from yesterday's session, but he was determined to keep up with the intensity. This wasn't CF Igualada anymore—this was Manchester City.
As he walked into the dressing room, some of his new teammates were already there. Liam Parker, a tall center-back with a sharp British accent, gave him a nod.
"Early riser, huh?" Liam smirked, lacing up his boots.
"Gotta prove I belong," Daniel replied, pulling on his training gear.
Liam chuckled. "Good. 'Cause you've got competition here, mate."
Daniel was aware. Every player in the City Under-21 squad was talented. Some had already made their senior debuts. If he wanted to get minutes, he had to be exceptional.
First Full-Field Training Match
Coach Brian Dunne split the squad into two teams for an 11v11 practice match. Daniel played in his usual attacking role, just behind the striker.
As the match kicked off, Daniel quickly noticed one thing—the game was much faster. The pressing was relentless, the passes zipped across the wet grass, and any hesitation was punished.
Early on, Liam intercepted a pass and launched the ball forward. Daniel sprinted onto it, but just as he controlled it, a midfielder crashed into him.
The impact sent him rolling on the grass.
"Welcome to England, Carter!" the midfielder laughed.
Daniel gritted his teeth and got up. He had to adapt. He couldn't just rely on skill—he had to be stronger, sharper, and more aggressive.
Minutes later, he received the ball again, but this time, he shielded it, using his body to absorb the pressure. He turned quickly and spotted the winger making a run.
With a perfectly timed through ball, he split the defense wide open.
"Brilliant pass!" one of his teammates shouted as the winger slotted the ball into the net.
Daniel clenched his fists. He could do this.
Later that evening, after training, Daniel sat on his bed, scrolling through messages. One stood out.
Sofia: "Hey. Hope you're not letting those English defenders break you."
Daniel smiled and called her. After a few rings, she picked up.
"Hey, Carter," she said, her voice playful.
"Hey, future La Liga star," Daniel teased back.
Sofia laughed. "Don't hype me up yet. How's City treating you?"
"Tough. But I'm learning fast."
"Good. Keep working hard.
For a moment, there was silence. Then Sofia spoke again.
"I miss our coffee runs."
Daniel's heartbeat quickened. He had been so caught up in training that he hadn't allowed himself to miss home. But now, he did.
"Me too," he admitted.
"Then hurry up and become a star so you can visit," Sofia said before hanging up.
Daniel stared at his phone, a small smile on his face.
He had a new challenge in England. But Spain—**and Sofia—**still had a hold on him.