Become A Football Legend

"So what do you think, Luke?" Javi asked as he sat down on the side of the bed in the room.

"We should sign it," Lukas responded, his expression deadpan.

"You think?" Marco asked.

"You don't like the terms?" Lukas asked Marco, as he and Javi turned to face the agent's direction.

"I just think if Nike and Adidas get a whiff of this contract, they could match or increase the amount Puma offered.

Also, no hate to Puma, but it's undeniable that they're currently in third place in the sportswear space compared to Nike and Adidas with far greater reach and recognition."

"Then imagine how valuable I'll be to them if I become their single biggest star?

If I sign for Nike or Adidas, sure I'll probably be able to get more money from royalties because of the brand loyalty they have and their dominance over the decades, but I'll still only be one of many superstars.

With Puma, I could be the front face of the brand."

"Hmm... That makes sense... Alright! I'll talk to the lawyers and we'll look through the contract carefully," Marco said as he stood up from the bed. "As you know, all revenues from sponsorship deals will be paid into the holding company managed by Thompson which holds your image rights. Then you can plan what you want to do with it.

But that's not in my work description.

I'll contact you when we're ready to sign the contract. See you."

"Take care, Marco," Javi and Lukas greeted him as he left the room.

"Wow," Javi sighed as he sat back down on the bed. "9 million euros per year? That's worth way more than the amount you get from the club. I can't believe just how much money you're making, Luke."

"This is just the beginning, Dad. The money is gonna keep coming, and I believe with Thompson in charge, it will be managed well. If you ever need anything, anything at all, please don't hesitate to let me know."

"I can't just shamelessly live off my son, can I? I'm almost done with my postgraduate, it'll be a shame to stop now."

"I understand, Dad. But I really want to take care of you. You've done a lot for me, having to both take care of me and go to school and work, all at the same time. You deserve some time to rest."

Javi looked at his son with a smile. "It's what I am supposed to do, Luke, I wasn't forced into this situation, I did all that because I chose to. And I'm so proud of the man you're growing up to become."

"Thanks, Dad. By the way, how about we buy our current apartment?" Lukas asked.

"Buy the apartment? Is there a reason you want to?"

"That's where I grew up, I'm very attached to the place. And I think it's something we can comfortably afford. So why not do it? Plus it's nice to always have somewhere you can call home in case anything bad happens in the future."

"Nothing bad will happen. But you have a point. I will look into whether the landlord is willing to sell. You did spend your whole life there, so I'm sure you're attached to it," Javi said as he gently nodded his head.

"Yeah, I spent the whole of my previous life there," Lukas thought.

Javi had ended up buying the house after he finished his Ph.D. in his previous life and barely managed to pay off the mortgage before he was diagnosed with cancer and died, leaving the property to Lukas.

"Dad,"

"Yeah?"

"How about you go for a health check-up soon?"

"Me? A health check-up? Do I look sick?"

"Most people don't do check-ups 'cause they're sick, you know? It's a preventive measure."

"Lukas, are you looking at me? I am in the best shape of my life — Anne can't stop talking about it. Still got a head full of hair. I'm quite sure I can out-run you if I really had to. I don't need a check-up."

"Okay let's calm down. You're not outrunning me in any situation, maybe if I tore my ACL. On a more serious note, though, please can't you just do it to put my mind at ease? Just a comprehensive scan, so I can stop worrying."

"Hmmm... Fine! There's nothing wrong, but I'll do it."

"Hopefully it'll be detected as soon as possible. Even if it's not detected now, I just have to make sure to force him to do a check-up every 6 months or every year. Dad, this time will surely be different," Lukas thought as he looked at his father.

"Okay, enough, don't look at me like I'm dying. I'm fine. I need to return home now. Take care of yourself, okay?"

"Drive safe," Lukas waved as Javi picked up his backpack and headed to the door.

* * *

The Eintracht Frankfurt recovery room was busy but calm. Sunlight came through the windows, lighting up the space filled with tables, benches, and exercise mats.

Some players were on massage tables, getting their shoulders, calves, and backs worked on by the physios. Others were doing light recovery drills, moving slowly with resistance bands or stretching carefully. A few players were on the floor with foam rollers, working on their ankles, thighs, and hamstrings, pressing into sore spots and rolling back and forth.

Water bottles and towels were scattered around, and the smell of liniment mixed with sweat hung in the air. There was quiet conversation here and there, some laughter, but mostly it was focused, steady work as everyone went through their recovery routines.

Lukas got up from the ground where he was using a foam roller to stretch his hamstrings, grabbed a bottle of water, and walked to the bench.

"You don't look like you played 90 minutes against the reigning champions less than two days ago," Larsson said as he sat down beside Lukas.

"What can I say? It's nice to be young, I guess."

"Ahhh... I wish I can relate. The good old days of being young," Larsson cried out as he placed his hand on his head.

Just as they both chuckled, Toppmöller walked into the room, and the team's attention was drawn to him.

"Hugo! Come here for a sec," the coach called out to Larsson who got up and walked to the door.

"Yes, Coach?"

"You were called for your national team. It's not your first time, anyway, so I'm sure you were expecting it. Don't get injured."

"Hahaha... I won't, Coach."

"I'm being serious."

Larsson smiled as he walked back to the bench he was sitting on with Lukas.

"What's up?" Lukas asked as Larsson sat down, all smiles.

"It's nothing big. Just a national team call-up."

As Lukas heard that, he felt his heart skip a beat.

The next international break would commence in two weeks. So by this time, the FAs from several countries would have sent requests to the club, requesting them to release the players in time for the matches.

"Robbo! Come over here," Toppmöller called Koch next. "Congrats. You were included in Nagelsmann's squad. You deserve it. Just don't get injured."

"Thanks, Coach. By the way, was I the only one called up to the Germany senior team?" Koch asked his coach, his brow raising.

"Senior team? Yeah."

"WHAT?!"