The season had just wrapped up and it was the most glorifying one for Alex Hunter no doubt. At only eighteen he'd already had his hands on:
Barclays Premier League
FA Cup
MLS Cup
LaLiga Santander
Copa Del Rey
Sitting in his cabana on the beach of Los Angeles he enjoyed the view as his mate Danny who also wrapped up an amazing debut season for Manchester United played volleyball with his sister Kim who also was an upcoming talent that'll soon take the women's game by storm.
'Surely it can't get sweeter than this.' Alex thought as he laid back in his cabana and enjoyed his juice. Playing for Atletico was amazing, the fact they even considered him after that mess at the beginning of the season with Real was a real lifesaver. Now the Atletico fans having the last laugh on their rivals who retaliated by flexing their Champions League medal which they won by beating Liverpool in Istanbul.
It was certain that Alex was a fan favourite, needless to say he was their hero.
Remembering how crazy their bus parade around the city was and how much hope and cheer their fans showed was a sight Alex would always remember. The feeling of celebrating a double never got old, sure he did it with United but the side was used to winning a lot of silverware.
Atletico just felt like a place he could actually turn into him home.
He had been thinking about it lately, seeing how his partnership with Griezmann had been going it would be foolish to leave now. With how crazy he and Antoine were they could take Atletico out of the factor of being demoted to Europa, they could even win the whole thing!
Alex was certain that they could do the impossible, possible. All they need is a few kinks and the team could content Bayern, City and even Real itself.
Alex just shivered in anticipation, this next season had so many expectations that just had his blood boiling with excitement.
"Well I know that smile when I see it…what are you thinking about, son?" Harold asked his son as he sat down beside him. "I just can't wait for next season, dad."
"Already? You sure you don't want to relax and play with your sister?" he pointed at the girl, who spiked the ball over the net to Danny who couldn't keep it in the air. "Ha! I beat you again?!" Kim celebrated.
"Are you serious?! That's my third loss!" Danny complained.
"Naw, don't want to be a blocker for Danny."
"Mhh, I see. Well you must be drunk from all that trophy champagne huh?" Harold stated as the two Hunters chuckled. "How many trophies did you win anyway this season?"
Alex began to think. "Well excluding pre-season. Three."
"So you had yourself a little treble huh?"
"You could say that. But I'm thinking it'll be sweeter if I have a treble on the same club, you know?"
"Ah huh."
"Where's grandad, anyway?"
"Still at the dinner, he enjoys those milkshakes of his."
"Yeah, he sure has a sweet tooth…oh yeah, Dad there was this lady that contacted me earlier." Alex remembered the call. "Really?"
"Yeah, some lady called Beatriz Villanova."
"Never heard of her, what was she talking about."
"Something about making me an icon. Her firm represents some of my teammates, I'm thinking they gave her my number."
"Did they, now." Alex nodded.
"Yeah, but I didn't pay mind to it, you know since that Taylor business I just want to start a season with no drama."
"Good, good. Last thing we need is another chancer trying to seek glory by derailing you."
"True that. You've worked to hard for that."
"Exactly these super agents always come and go, who knows maybe Ronaldo's agent might come for you." Harold joked as Alex chuckled. "You know that did actually happen." Harold grimaced. "Your joking."
"No seriously, after beating Real in pre, Ron invited me to dinner, his agent was even there and he gave me his card." Harold hearing this took a minute to digest everything. "How much you've grown, Alex. From playing in Clapham to mingling with the stars."
"What are you jealous?" he joked "A little." They both chuckled.
The scene broke away as the father and sun enjoyed their drinks as they chatted.
Their holiday in the states was coming to an end, both Alex and Danny being called by their teams to return for the start of pre-season sat in Alex's house up in the hills of LA watching some of Jim's old tapes on the internet.
Having packed all their bags the duo was ready to head back.
"Right! We got to catch this plane. I cannot miss it or Butler will have my head." Danny stated as Alex agreed. "The fact he allowed you to miss practise, surprises me."
"I know right, he must be getting soft by seeing this face everyday." He smirked as Alex rolled his eyes. "Yeah, dream on with that."
"You know last time I drove to LAX we were off to Japan." Kim spoke up. "You what?" Danny stated confused. "You wot?" Kim dissed his accent as Alex chuckled. "I'm from England. It's English. You're the ones with the accents!" he exclaimed watching the Hunters walk out the door. Following them Danny continued to explain himself but the Hunters weren't budging.
Being back in Madrid, Alex got out of his apartment feeling well rested and pumped. It was finally first training session back from a long hiatus.
Quickly taking an apple from his fridge, he sat down by the counter and checked his phone. Not much was going on, except the buzz for France winning the World Cup. Alex showing his support for his friend, Antoine. He posted on social congrats and that this season they'll be reckoned with.
Getting out of his apartment he closed the door behind him. "Buenos dias, Carlos." He greeted his neighbour.
"Buenos dias, Alex." Carlos replied as they go into the elevator. "First day of practise?"
"Did the tracksuit give it away?"
"No, the constant banging of the wall last night gave it away."
"Sorry, I do that when I'm nervous but you can be rest assured I gave the ball away to my sister."
"Thank the heavens, my prayers have been answered." Carlos joked.
Getting out of the elevator, Alex got into his black Porsche Carrera 911 that was gifted to him by the club.
Campo de Entrenamiento, Madrid
Alex parked his car in the player section, hopping out he headed for the team facility. On the way he bumped into his manager, Diego Simeone.
"Ah, Alex it's good to see you." Diego stated as he shook Alex' hand. "Good to see you two, boss." He replied "So where did you spend your holiday?" Diego asked "Los Angeles, took my mate Danny there to chill with my father and sister. Took my granddad there to, he enjoyed the beach." He smiled as Diego laughed. "That's good, that's good. So are you ready to go or do you need to stretch the joints a bit?"
"I'm good to go, coach. I'll go change and head for the field."
"Good." Alex was about to go when Diego stopped him. "There's something you need to know about, Dino."
It being the first day back to work, Alex arrived at the team field, with a sad face. Having heard the news that his coach, Dino hadn't been given a contract extension he watched as Diego Simeone showcased the new assistant coach. "It's going to be different without, Dino here." Alex told his friend Griezmann who agreed. "Couldn't say less, but I did hear that this guy, worked at Real."
"Real?" Alex said confused as Antoine agreed.
"I'm Anton Mulliano, it'll be an honour for me to work with you all." Anton stated as everyone clapped. "Alright then, team a quick word." Diego stated as he began his session.
"It's a new season, gents. We have another opportunity to be the best team in Spain." Diego began. "In Laliga we need to be the best once more. If we ever want to win back-to-back we must win the games that begin our campaign. In the Copa del Rey I believe we can win it as well. If we focus and have diligence we might win a double once more."
"Yeah!" Alex stated with joy as he clapped. Everyone turned to the young Hunter as they all just laughed at his enthusiasm. "You already want to be a menace to defenders, hey Alex?" Diego stated as lex nodded. "Just want to bring in more trophies to the cause, boss. You know how it is." Diego hearing that nodded.
"You hear that, if Alex is this enthusiastic about the season we must join him! I want consistency, vigour, and team work out there! We have a pre-season tour in Japan coming up, that's where we'll start to work on everything. Now, starters of last season versus subs and reserves." Diego blew his whistle as everyone went to their sides.