Chapter 64 – Lines in the Sand
The U20 training field hummed with the familiar chaos of youth football—shouts echoing across the pitch, balls thumping against boots, the occasional burst of laughter cutting through the drill instructions. Thiago stood near the sideline, watching João weave through a group of younger players with that same effortless flair he’d had since they were kids kicking a ball in the favelas. The sun hung heavy in the late morning sky, sweat already drying against Thiago’s collar as he waited for a break in the action.
He’d planned this carefully.
When the whistle blew for water, João spotted him immediately, jogging over with that trademark grin. "Look who decided to grace us peasants with his presence."
Thiago rolled his eyes, tossing him a bottle. "Still running circles around kids, I see."
"Someone’s got to teach them how it’s done." João took a long swig, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "What brings the first-team superstar to our humble pitch?"
The casual question hung between them. Thiago glanced at the scattered players—some staring openly, others pretending not to notice his presence. He lowered his voice. "Walk with me?"
João’s smile faltered slightly, but he nodded, calling out to his coach that he’d be five minutes. They moved toward the far end of the field where the noise faded into background hum.
"I’ve made a decision," Thiago said once they were out of earshot. He scuffed his boot against the turf, sending up a small cloud of dust. "After the Paulista ends... I’m leaving."
João froze mid-step. "Leaving?"
"Europe."
The word landed between them like a dropped weight. João exhaled sharply through his nose, his fingers tightening around the water bottle until the plastic crinkled. "That’s... fuck, man."