[Football] I Went Bald, and I Got Stronger

The protagonist is Italian, the homesick kind of Italian. Even though he was dazzled by the sky-high wages and generous benefits in the English Premier League and went there to play, he still complains every day that British food is awful, the British are cold, and the weather is terrible. He says he’s getting depressed from staying there! He needs beaches! Sunshine! The sea! His generous boss treats him like a prized guest, renovating the cafeteria and inviting fellow Italians to chat with him. The boss keeps trying to talk him around, and keeps raising his salary. Until even the boss can’t take any more of his annual transfer tantrums. The boss says, “Give me one reason you want to leave. What are you still unhappy about?” The protagonist, looking haggard and a year older for every year he’s been there, takes off his cap. His scalp gleams faintly. The protagonist snaps: “If I don’t leave now, I’m going to go bald!” * The club is Chelsea, and he’ll definitely leave Britain. No idea where he’ll go, and no idea who the pairing will be. * The protagonist is a professional mercenary: cold and ruthless, doing the job for the money. He’s got a dog of a personality and incredible football skills. * He really will go bald. There might even be detailed descriptions (evil grin). * The original idea is in This Is Football. I’ll see if I want to start this after finishing Poisonous Woman. It won’t be very long. Theme: Damn it, life’s been conning me.