[Football] Sweet Melon, Let Me Force Your Hand

Coming soon in my profile: [Soccer] The World’s Best Team: A growth story from youth academy prodigy to Arsenal and England captain [Soccer] A Pawn’s Gambit: The story of a German rose turning the tide against all odds What? AC Milan has gone and forced another player into a marriage of convenience? The unwilling little bride (not really), young player Yatz Raphael Alamilla, boards a flight from Madrid to Milan with tears in his eyes, sniffling as he vows to himself: One day, I’ll make Real Madrid pay tens of millions to bring me from San Siro back to the Bernabeu! “So, would you like black truffles on your risotto?” Maldini asks Nesta after handing him a little condiment, then turns to him. “...Yes,” Raphael replies quietly, looking up from behind his plate. Inzaghi smiles and strokes the tips of his hair. “Oh, our Raphael is so easy to feed. Such a good boy.” Nearby, the restaurant owner keeps peeking over while clutching a jersey that says “Raphael 31,” waiting for Milan’s players to finish eating so he can ask for their autographs. ...But Milan’s food really is so delicious, Milan’s older brothers really are so nice to him, and Milan’s fans really do love him so much! “Raphael has broken the record as the youngest player to score a hat trick in Serie A!” “Raphael has become the youngest player in Milan’s history to win the Champions League since the competition was rebranded!” “Raphael has pulled off another last-minute comeback winner! He really is Milan’s lucky charm!” He grows up here, finding love, trust, and the world’s attention. So why would he ever let these beautiful hopes down? From a pure-white heritage to a red-and-black heart, he’ll be the moon over San Siro that never wanes. He’ll carry on Milan’s unparalleled glory, standing amid one shower of golden confetti after another as he makes the whole world hear his name and witness his football. Those who love him call him Raphael, God’s blazing seraph. Every graceful, beautiful pass and goal is a Miracle he works. “Little Raphael? Oh no, he’s no angel,” says old Mr. Cru, San Siro’s home-ground commentator, laughing heartily behind the microphone. “He’s our red-and-black demon!” Please note: 1. The protagonist came up through Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fabrica, and captained the Castilla squad. He was loaned to Real Sociedad, then returned for half a year before transferring to Milan. The story begins in 2003, when he joins Milan. 2. RedBird is definitely out of the picture, but the protagonist will have some connection to the new ownership group. 3. About the protagonist: He is of Italian-Spanish descent, plays for Milan at club level and Spain internationally, and will win every major team and individual honor. He’ll have plenty of affectionate older and younger brothers throughout Serie A and Spanish football, including some Spaniards working abroad. Everyone’s relationships have a flirtatious undertone. 4. My apologies in advance to fans of the teams, players, and people whose awards may be altered by the protagonist’s presence. Synopsis first published on June 19, 2024. Screenshot saved. Theme: Forza Milan!