#new year same old bayern
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Loyalty and Love // Leah Williamson
warnings: dead family member
Leah was a gooner through and through, never been seen in a different club jersey than the arsenals as she was Arsenals biggest fan.
She went through all the youth team stages until she reached the senior team. Her body was full of loyalty to the club while your career path was very different - something Leah did not like about you.
Your career started at your hometown club near Bavaria, Germany, until FC Bayern München became aware of you. You were the only girl in the league and still scored the most goals. So to be fair, your actual club career started at the FC Bayern academy. You started there at the age of 10 and played there until the age of 16.
At 16 years old, you said good bye to Germany and played for Ajax in the Netherlands. You played two years for them and enjoyed every second with the Ajax family, yet after those two years, you transferred to AS Roma. You had many transfer offers, inside the league and outside of it but even though, you had transferred a few times already, you had one rule: never play in the same league with a different club. Roma sent you on loan to Olympique Lyon where you won the champions league and the league, each time as a key player of the team. OL offered you a real contract which you gladly signed - winning the treble. After three years in France, where you had learned a lot technical stuff but also had developed further as a person, it was time for a new challenge. A new club and country.
Spain was calling, FC Barcelona to be exact. After a teary good bye, you left for good - it was time to shine at Barcelona.
Your talent was magical, you could score from every angle, no matter the position and the fans loved you.
You had been nominated for numerous awards, won many of them yet still you were the kindest person. You always made time for the fans, signed jerseys, took photos and chatted with them. You were down-to-earth.
Of course you had haters, people not liking your volatility but you didn‘t care. You had a mission and would continue it, no matter if you had no fan at all or a the whole woso community behind you. So while your job was to score goals, you only had one goal in mind.
You loved the Spanish weather, you loved the City, you loved the girls. They made Barcelona your home and more than that. Playing alongside Alexia, Mapi, CGH, Aitana and literally every one on the squad was amazing. It was the way they played and the mentality they had that fascinated you.
The first season at Barcelona was the season you won the Ballon D‘or, while still being so young. The combination of the playing style that you learned in the individual clubs in each country also made you Fifas the best. You were the best.
On the pitch, every opponent was afraid of you while off pitch they adored you. It broke your heart to leave Barcelona, the City you adored. So why did you leave? It was the thing you had to do. The thing you promised yourself at the age of 16 when you left Bayern - Arsenal would be your last stop ever. The thing you promised someone. Your retirement club, you would stay there forever - as long as they offered you a contract.
-
While everybody had greeted you with open arms at your arrival, the skipper kept her distance, only talking to you when necessary. Leah was skeptical to say at least, some things bothered her about you. She didn‘t appreciate your transfers nor respected them. Every country? Really? Why Arsenal? Her childhood club? How long did you want to play here before you stab the team in the back? When another country became interesting? Maybe the US? Sweden?
And then the tape. The strip of tape on your shoulder, it didn‘t make any sense to her. It didn‘t seem like you had problems with your shoulder nor an injury in the last few years (which she had obviously checked) so why the tape? She - well actually everyone, never saw you without. When it slowly started to look rancid, the next second it looked like new again. When you changed, even in the shower after playing it was always there. Were you hiding something?
Leah didn‘t like you, it was clear as the day but (even if she would never admit it out loud) you were a fantastic footballer. Your feet could do magic with the ball, from assisting to scoring to defending, everything you did on the pitch was faboulous. That, she had to appreciate, maybe you would help Arsenal to win the league.
This season. who knows how long you‘ll stay.
-
After your first month with the gunners, you knew for sure, your heart and brain realized it for the first time: after years, you had finally fulfilled your promise.
You felt peace, nothing more. Maybe you could forgive yourself someday.
-
Over time, Leah‘s dislike towards you turned into much more - hate. When you were near the blonde, she would glare at you or leave the room,
the moments you tried to talk to her, to get to know her, she ignored you and
she would rudely comment on the things you said.
After months of trying, you just stopped. If she doesn‘t want to talk to you that‘s okay. You didn’t have to be friends - colleagues, that‘s it.
-
"When I visited Greece-" you started to tell Lia about the beauty of the country when her work wife cut you off, "wow, Y/L/N, a country you didn‘t play in, really respectable" Leah spat, rolling her eyes. Lia smacked the back of her head, her behavior unbelievable.
It was no secret that the defender felt some sort of dislike towards you - noticeable for your team mates and especially for the swiss as she knew Leah like the back of her hand.
"Ignore her" the midfielder stated, asking you to continue your story.
"It‘s fine" not in the mood to tell the end of your Greece-story, you left the two LW‘s joining Vic as she juggled with the ball.
"You really need to stop that" the swiss international grumbled, "she‘s actually really nice"
"And her loyalty sucks! I won’t let her ruin this club"
The brunette watched the blonde march away, arms crossed.
-
Leah‘s behavior continued like that, rude comments sent your way, cut off mid sentence and ignorance accompanied you every single day. But your mindset was clear: you couldn’t be bothered by her.
You understood that Leah was skeptical of you, you‘re new and played for several clubs but on the pitch you played your absolute best each game. You deserved at least some respect.
-
"Where‘s hopper?" Leah asked - you’re never late. Her new nickname for you showed her antipathy towards you yet hiding it well enough, so other people outside of the team wouldn’t get suspicious.
"She‘s on her way home for a few days" Lia replied calmly, not wanting the blonde to explode.
You had texted Lia about your plans earlier this morning - she was your friend after all. Just because she was great friends with Leah, didn‘t mean you couldn’t be friends with her too. Like I said, you were friends with the whole team, just not with Leah. Besides you enjoyed talking to Wally as it was in your mother tongue, conversation flowing with an ease.
"What the fuck?! She does know we‘re playing a derby this weekend!" The England captain growled, marching out of the changing room, already calling you. Who do you think you were?
Her calls went straight to voicemail which only angered and frustrated her more. why were you so infuriating?
The defender was quick to approach to Jonas - what was the thinking letting you leave? Did he even know about this?
"Why did you let her leave?!" the woman asked loudly and harshly. You made her blood boil. "Is she playing on Saturday? You should kick her out of the squad! This behavior is unacceptable" she scolded.
Even though Leah knew the team would need you, she was too caught up in her anger.
"Who are you talking about?" the coach asked rather confused. Was he missing something?
"Your new signing" she huffed out frustrated, how can he be this clueless?
"She‘s not here. Apparently at home in Germany, did you know about this?"
"Oh! Yes, I know about this. It‘s in her contract"
"What do you mean? In her contract?"
"She‘s allowed to leave, no matter what day, at-" he looked at his watch, checking the date, "at the 20th of March for three days. One day to get there, one day to stay, one day to leave" he explained.
"Why?"
"I can’t tell you that"
-
On game day, you arrived on time at the stadium, your favourite defender already impatiently waiting for you in the locker room. When you entered the room, she was about to stomp over, telling you how your behavior was unacceptable and jeopardizing the team but something told her not to. Your shoulders were sagged, your eyes red and puffy as you had bags under them ad well - it looked like you had been crying for awhile and not sleeping either. You looked small and sad, but not the sadness-sad, somehow it looked like grieving-sad or guilty-sad. Leah didn't know if her analysis was correct, after all, she didn't know you as you weren’t friends - not even close to that - and to the others it seemed like you were your usual self.
As you walked past her to get to your cubby, she grabbed your hand. "Are you okay?" she asked, genuinely concerned about your well-being. Her stone cold persona towards you was gone for the moment, eyes scanning your face - what was wrong? How can she help you?
"I‘m fine, Leah"
Her hand had a firm grip on yours yet it was so gentle and soft - it was almost like you could feel her 'caring' about you.
But you knew, she only cared about the team and not about you.
"Thank you for asking, though" you smiled a bit, before leaving her touch and walking over to your cubby.
You didn't want to be rude to her because it seemed like she was dead serious about her question. Besides, if you wanted to have at least a somewhat normal work-relationship with her, this might was a step in the right direction.
However, you had to admit, the feeling of her holding your hand was quite nice and made you hope for eventually being friends one day.
-
The game started with you on the bench as agreed with Jonas. It was his decision if he wanted to put you in or not and you respected either way. You were thankful enough that he had shown so much understanding about your family situation, so you wouldn’t be the one to complain about not playing.
Next to you on the bench sat the one and only Leah Williamson, who watched the game very carefully, attentively and critically - the same as you did. In your heads, the two of you analyzed what happened on the field, every bad pass, every unused space or loss of the ball was noted while you tried to come up with solutions. While Leah stated her analysis to everyone at half time, you talked to the relevant person what they should pay particular attention to - most opponents had the same playing style, even if the tactics were changed. Overall, it wasn't the played game in general that mattered, but rather the individual players on the field. If you watched them long enough, it wasn't too difficult to outplay them and their team - Leah and you knew that.
Both of you got subbed on in the 74th minute, the defender doing her job brilliantly while you ran down the wing. The game seemed like it had shifted as soon as the two of you took in your positions. Chances were created, space was used, passed connected perfectly - in all honestly, Tottenham didn‘t have any control over the match anymore, thanks to Leah and your critical eyes.
The score changed when Leah sent a ball flying towards you. With one quick motion, you dribbled around the defender, firing a shot on goal - Tottenhams goalkeeper stood no chance.
That evening a special chemistry was born between your favourite defender and her favourite hopper.
-
If you were hoping that the 'how are you' question meant something, you were wrong.
Her arrogant attitude got worse, as did her mean behavior towards you. You thought that maybe, just maybe, the link up on the pitch earned you enough respect that she at least refrains from commenting. Yet she questioned everything you did and not only that: you were regularly asked whether you would leave the club at the end of the season or whether you would leave one season after that. At this point you felt helpless, you didn’t know what her problem was with you - she seemed like a nice person towards everyone else.
"Come on, Leah, leave me alone" you grumbled as she stood next to you in the locker room with her arms crossed. Especially today she was getting on your last nerve. You hadn‘t slept well the last few days and the bickering was getting more and more exhausting.
"You weren‘t concentrated today" she stated, "this isn‘t acceptable at Arsenal."
"Leah-" Wally tried to stop her but there was no chance. She wouldn’t hold back.
"No, she has to know. She‘s played at enough clubs to know that she has to give 100%!"
"As if you haven‘t had a bad day before"
"I can keep things professional"
"No you can‘t! If you could, you would leave me the fuck alone. You are all judgy but never played somewhere else than Arsenal, so get a fucking grip. At least I have the experience of other leagues"
The whole changing room gasped, Katie smirking, happy that you stood your ground. Leah’s behavior was ridiculous. And this time she took it too far.
On an emotional level, your week had been absolutely shitty.
It‘s like a haunted house, only you‘re the ghost.
On an physical level, you were exhausted.
So, neither emotionally nor physically you could deal with her at the moment.
"Watch your mouth-" the defender started before you cut her off.
"No, you will watch yours" your pointer finger angrily poked her chest, "Listen to me closely, I will not repeat myself. You, Leah Williamson, will stay away from me. I‘m not your friend, I’m not your mate, I’m your colleague, so treat me with damn respect" with that you grabbed your stuff and left.
Leah was breathing heavily, your anger awfully attractive.
"Why are you being like this?" McCabe asked, the girls in the room waiting for an answer. This couldn’t be just because you played for several clubs and she was questioning your loyalty - there had to be more.
"Because she‘s hiding something! I won‘t let her ruin this club" she growled, sitting down in her cubby.
"What should she be hiding?" Steph questioned, you seemed like an honest and truthful person.
"She literally left for three days out of nowhere!"
"She did that when we played at Barca together too" Laia added. She had never thought about that before. But Leah was right, it was unusual to not show up at training when you weren‘t injured or sick, especially since it was in the middle of the season.
"See!"
"I still don’t see the problem" Steph shrugged her shoulders, "she‘s a lovely person and you would know that if you gave her the chance to show it" with that the Australian left. You were such a lovely girl, at least someone had to defend you. Partly, Steph could understand where Leah was coming from - that girl was bleeding Arsenal red.
After Steph had left, the other girls started to leave too, Leah and Kim the only ones left.
Leah was sorting through her bag, checking if she had everything she needed when Kim broke the silence, "Her brother died when she was 16. The 21st of March is the day of his death"
Leah stopped her movements, "what?" she turned around, the colour leaving her face.
"That’s all I know"
Kim grabbed her bag, walking past the blonde, about to leave, "I’m disappointed in you, Leah. We're a family here, and you didn't show her that. Have you ever thought about why she played in every league? You’re criticizing but not questioning. You doubt her loyalty, but she hasn't transferred within the league - doesn't that show her respect for the club she‘s played at?"
"Kim-"
"Have a nice evening"
Alone in the changing room, Leah tried to process the information, now it made sense that you were at home for a few days. It was his anniversary.
She had been a complete ass to you without knowing your story - she still didn't. However, for the first time she felt something like interest. She wanted to get to know you. She wanted to know your story. But most of all she wanted to apologize. You seemed like a sweet girl.
Of course, most of her questions were still unanswered: the tape? Why did you transfer so much? You‘re young.. but for the first time she didn't care. She fucked up and was determined to start over.
I‘m disappointed in you, Leah.
-
At home, the defender sat on her couch, eating some food while the tv was showing her favourite show. This wasn’t right. She couldn’t wait till tomorrow. She had to talk to. Now.
Leaving her food on the table, the blonde called Lia, asking where you lived. The Swiss was hesitant to tell her as she wanted to protect you but Leah sounded genuinely upset about her own behavior.
"Please.. I- I‘m in the wrong here, I know that now. I don‘t want her to go to bed angry or feeling like she‘s not a part of the Arsenal family."
After that, the Swiss texted your address, the England captain already on her way.
When she arrived at her destination, she felt nervous. She rang the bell, hoping you wouldn’t open. She wasn‘t prepared at all - she didn’t know what to say or how to make things up with you.
In that moment, she realized maybe it was a hasty decision to just show up in front of your door and apologize. It wouldn’t be deserved to accept the apology straightaway.
"Leah?" you said surprised.
"Hopper" it was almost inaudible as you had knocked the air out of her lungs. You looked breathtaking. No, it wasn‘t something fancy - you wore an oversized shirt and some shorts while your hair was down but you looked naturally beautiful.
"What are you doing here? I told you to leave me alone"
"I- um.. I came to apologize?"
"Are you asking me that?"
"I came to apologize"
"Go home, Leah-"
"Give me a chance-"
"No. Look, I don’t know why you are here or what your problem is but I don‘t want to play your sick games" you stepped back, closing the door, leaving the defender dumbfounded in front of your home.
"I know about you brother!" she called, helpless on what do to. But as soon as the word 'brother' left her mouth, she regretted it.
The door was thrown open, "what did you just say?!" you were angrier than ever. Your family had always been a sensitive subject.
"I know about your brother" the audacity Leah had to repeat her words was unbelievable.
She squeezed herself inside, looking around.
"I swear to god, if you don‘t leave-"
"I‘m really sorry" she turned around, you didn‘t know if she was talking about your brother or how she had treated you and neither did she. Either way, it made you furios, you were balling your hands into fists, trying to stay calm.
"Is that him?" she asked, walking to the picture frame on your shelf, "what‘s his name?"
It was a picture of the two of you as kids, both of you wearing Germany jerseys as you grinned in the camera - one of your favourite pictures.
And that made you explode. How dare she come to your home, implying to apologize which she wasn‘t and then act nosy.
You marched over, grabbing her at the collar of her shirt and pushing her against the wall, "leave me alone" you weren’t shouting but you voice was loud, clear and firm, almost intimidating.
Her breath hitched, "I can‘t" you were so close to her. She could see all tiny freckles, those which only appeared when you were in the sun. She was intrigued by you. Her eyes darted around your features, the wrinkle between your brows slowly disappearing.
You didn‘t know what came over you, but in less than a second, you smashed your lips against hers. Teeth were clashing, all anger and frustration purred in, hands gripping and pulling as both of your minds went blank. Neither of you could think about anything else but each other.
-
The day she stood in front of your apartment, wasn’t brought up again yet you had to admit something shifted in your dynamic that night.
The chemistry you had on the pitch only grew, Leah assisted while you scored countless of goals.
Her behavior wasn‘t as bad as before anymore, she started to greet you, say good bye or other acts of kindness yet every once in a while a snarky comments left her mouth.
After Arsenal had won the conti cup against Chelsea, the celebrations were on the rise when you entered the club. You saw some girls dancing around, some lingering at the bar and others sitting at the table.
You joined the girls at the table, sitting down next to Stina. Lost in conversation with the Swede you didn‘t notice a blonde defender standing right behind you with her arms crossed and a pout on her face, "you‘re sitting on my seat, hopper" she grumbled, the pout increasing.
"Sit somewhere else" you replied, not looking up as you continued your conversation which had been rudely cut off by the English woman.
"There is no seat left"
This time you turned around, looking up from your seat as the defender glared at you.
It was the first time, you had seen her tonight and she looked absolutely gorgeous with the outfit she was wearing.
"I think you‘re old enough to deal with that, aren‘t you?" you smiled sarcastically at her, once again turning to Stina.
"I am" she stated, a smug smile plastered on her face. With the alcohol in her system, she simply sat on your lap, one arm going around your shoulders while she started her own conversation. Weirdly confused but somehow not minding, you let her be, your arms going around her waist to support her. No one said anything about, most of them not realizing what was happening or simply not caring - as long as you weren‘t fighting everything seemed fine.
The night continued like that, chatting, dancing and enjoying the time.
"Could you let me get up, please? I‘d like to have another drink" you asked the defender who immediately got up, "can you bring one for me too?"
"Sure"
She smiled shyly before you left, sitting back down, Lia looking at her with a 'tell me right now what‘s going on' expression.
"What?"
"Seriously? What‘s going on between the two of you?" the Swiss asked, Leah‘s eyes already back on you as you stood at the bar, ordering.
"Nothing"
The defender’s brows furrowed when a man approached you, standing way too close to you, her jaw clenching.
She saw you taking a step to the side, intending to signal the man that you were not interested. In responds, he only stepped closer.
Angrily, the blonde stood up, marching over, "is everything alright here?" her hands settled on your waist, pulling you protectively towards her.
"Everything‘s alright, mate" the man slurred, stepping forward, "I’m just getting to know your friend."
Leah was quick to step in front of you, her hand holding onto you to know you‘re safe, "leave my girlfriend alone or I will break your nose" she threatened.
The man held his hands in surrender before he left.
In an instant, she turned around, cupping your cheeks, checking if you were alright.
"I‘m okay" you stated. What just happened? Girlfriend? Weird man? Break his nose? Girlfriend?
"Here‘s your drink"
She took her drink, resting her hand on the small of your back, guiding you back to the table.
What‘s just happened?
Lia was the only one left at the table while the others had joined the dancers. You were about to sit down on an empty chair when the blonde pulled you on her lap - roles reversed.
Raising an brow, "There are enough empty seats this time"
"I don’t care, hopper"
"I‘ll join the rest on the dancing floor" Wally said, winking at Leah whose cheeks turned red.
"You‘re so beautiful, you know" the England captain said, cheeks turning a deeper shade of red.
"How many drinks did you have?" you giggled, your fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns along the back of neck. "Not enough to punch that guy" she growled.
You laughed, "you‘re cute when you‘re jealous" not so sober yourself.
She squeezed your hips in responds, resting her head on your shoulder.
Both of you enjoyed the silence that came over you, also enjoying the closeness you shared in that moment. Leah wasn‘t forgiven and she knew that yet she couldn’t stay away from you. Somehow you were addicting.
For once, it was nice not to argue with the blonde but to enjoy her company. She was cute, you couldn’t lie.
"I‘m very sorry for my behavior" she whispered, "I’d like to start over again" you turned towards her, eyes locking, "I’m not asking for your forgiveness, just for a chance to show you that I’m not an awful person. You are a part of the Arsenal family and I’m sorry for treating you otherwise"
You let her words sink in. She was right, she couldn’t ask for your forgiveness because too much had happened already but starting over seemed like an opportunity for the both of you.
"I’m Y/N"
-
The next weeks, Leah was the sweetest person to you. Each morning, she greeted you with the widest smile and when she left the facility, she always made sure to tell you good bye. She treated you with respect and listened to everything you had to say. She was amazed by the stuff you had to say. She couldn’t care less if it was something as simple as your favourite colour or an opinion on something. Everything you said was important to her.
Soon the small talks turned into longer conversations until they were endless.
In matches, when somebody fouled you Leah was the first to stick up for you, arguing with the opponent before she argued with the ref (of course after she had made sure you were okay.)
Slowly but surely, Leah earned your trust and appreciation.
She wasn‘t just anybody - she was Leah Williamson and once she had set her mind, you couldn’t stop her from doing it.
She wasn‘t the Leah you had met at your arrival - she changed for good. She was much more. She was funny, loving and caring, attentive and respectful - she was actually an amazing woman and your friend.
-
Standing in the kitchen of Leah’s apartment, you made dinner for the both of you while she sat on the counter watching you and eating the ingredients.
The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxed as music filled the background.
Peace.
"His name‘s Sebastian" you turned around, grabbing another ingredient out of the fridge while you avoided Leah‘s eyes, painful stings in your heart. You wouldn‘t cry, not now. "He‘s three years older than me" you inhaled sharply, trying to compose yourself as you continued to cook. "You would have loved him, he was a big Arsenal fan, watched every match" you chuckled, "but was the worst player of all time. He never really was a sports guy anyway, he was rather the calm type of person. He loved to cook - that‘s actually one of his favourite recipes" you nodded your head towards the food splayed out on the counter.
The dish you were making had brought you so much comfort after his death. It felt familiar. Sometimes, you imagined him standing in the kitchen, so concentrated that his brows would furrow as he cut the vegetables or when he seasoned - never a drop too much. He was very particular when it came to cooking, but rightly so, because when he did it, it always tasted absolutely perfect.
"He used to be my best friend"
Your heart broke into pieces saying it out loud. He wasn‘t just anybody - he was your brother, the only man you ever loved and him more than anyone.
The two of you had a special bond, you basically owed him your entire career. Because it was him who kicked the ball around with you for hours,
because it was him who drove with you to training when your parents had to work,
because it was him who always watched your matches,
because it was him who always believed in you, even when you were on the verge of giving up.
He was your biggest supporter, the person who believed you could be the best footballer in the world one day and the one person who made sure that you had a life outside of football.
And even though you would have never shared your charger with him, you would have given him your lungs, so he could breathe.
"What happened to him?" Leah asked, her voice gentle, testing the waters if it was okay to ask or too much.
"When-" you closed your eyes, holding back the tears that were about to fall, "I was at a birthday party. At some point during the night I asked him to pick me up because I wasn't feeling well. He did it without hesitation. On the way home we- we got hit by a car and crashed into a tree. Both of us were conscious but he was coughing and bleeding very badly. It looked very bad. I prayed to every god I knew that they should take me and not him- they didn‘t listen" tears were streaming down your face as you aggressively cut the remaining vegetables, "his last words were 'make me proud' and i remember shouting at him but it was too late. I told him I loved him- he took his last breath with a smile on his face"
Silence filled the room, small sniffles the only thing being heard. You grabbed a tissue, blowing your nose and another one to dry your tears, "I am- was blaming myself for what happened, so I left home as soon as I could"
Leah was listening carefully, her heart aching seeing you in pain and the pain you had been through.
"I always complained about others leagues, because they seemed so easy and everything" you chuckled at the memory, "and he always was like 'you can‘t complain if you haven‘t played there'" mocking him, the most german accent in your voice, "so that’s what I did. I have played in several leagues but I always knew Arsenal would be my last stop"
Everything made sense now, Leah‘s heart broke even more, realizing what an absolute ass she was while you only had one goal in mind - to make him proud.
It was never your plan to ruin Arsenal, you wanted to stay there to fulfill the promise you had made in the night that changed your life.
-
Leah saw you with different eyes now, her heart was beating for you in more than one way. She admired you - for the way you play, how strong you are and how hard life had been for you yet still smiling throughout it.
She had to protect the ray of sunshine and the feisty beast you could be. You weren‘t just anybody - you were Y/N Y/L/N, the best footballer in the world.
The defender was a 100% sure, your brother would be more than proud of you and the woman you became.
But she also knew what she had to do. You deserved an apology, even more than that - you deserved every good thing in the world. And if she could she would take all your pain away.
-
It was in the middle of the night, all lights turned off besides in the kitchen of the blonde defender. She sat at the kitchen table, one sheet of paper and a fountain pen in front of her.
Dear Sebastian,
I’m Leah, Leah Williamson.
I've been playing for Arsenal my whole life. I've had my best and worst moments at the club. All of my best moments had to do with my team, my friends, my family, whereas my worst moments had something to do with my performance or injuries. Unfortunately, because of my loyalty and love for the club, I was blinded from seeing the important things - your sister. I never understood why she had transferred so often - it seemed like she was volatile and didn't understand loyalty and love. But she does - she does that more than anyone else.
Her loyalty was only ever dedicated to you.
She is an incredible person and I’m so sorry for the way i treated her at her arrival (I will tell her that, this time when I’m fully sober and explain everything). But I’m writing you to tell you that I like your sister, more than I ever thought I would. To be honest, that‘s the first time I’m admitting it to someone, I didn‘t even admit it fully to myself - but I do. I like her. And I guess, this is me asking for your blessing.
A blessing that I can treat her right if she lets me,
a blessing that I can always support her,
a blessing for one chance with her.
I know, there is much too make up for and my behavior will never be excused - no apology could be strong enough for what I have done - but I want you to know that I will regret it till the rest of my life.
So while you may be her biggest fan from paradise, I want to be her biggest fan from earth.
I promise to do everything in my power to be the best person she deserves.
Sincerely,
Leah Williamson
With a lighter in her pocket and the letter in her hand, she went outside on the balcony. The night was chill and quiet, the perfect atmosphere as the moon shone brightly. Her nerves were calming down and her mind seemed to find rest as she looked up in the sky, "one chance" she whispered, burning the letter. She watched the ink and paper slowly disappear, the smoke rising into the night sky. She knew it was unrealistic to expect any sign of positive responds but was it wrong to hope? When the letter was fully burned, she waited till the smoke was completely gone before she went back inside, turning off the kitchen light and making her way to bed.
When the blonde woke up the next day, she made her way to kitchen immediately, needing her morning tea. She frowned and froze.
"Hello?" she called.
No response.
She had turned off the light last night, didn‘t she?
She sure did!
Was this her sign? Was this the sign that the letter arrived?
It was his blessing.
-
"Hey" the blonde greeted you with a wide smile when you entered the changing room.
Matching her smile, "good morning" you walked to your cubby.
"What are you doing tonight?" she followed you, the smile not leaving her features. Someone woke up in a good mood, you thought.
"Going home, eating, then sleeping" you replied.
"Do you want to watch the Arsenals men game tonight? With me?"
"Are you nervous?" you asked, the defender fidgeting with her fingers as her cheeks were slowly turning red, "I’d love to watch the match with you."
And if you thought her smile couldn’t have gotten wider, you were wrong - the smile she sent you was from ear to ear.
"Perfect" with excitement in her body, she pressed a peck to your cheek before she happily skipped out of the room, the other girls watching the interaction that just happened closely.
"Are you blushing?" Katie laughed loudly as you embarrassingly turned to your bag, in fact blushing.
-
Half an hour before kick-off you rang Leah‘s doorbell, takeout in your hands. You weren‘t in the mood for cooking and Leah‘s cooking skill were eh, e for effort?, also you had been craving Chinese all day long, so that‘s what you got.
"I brought food with me!" you grinned, pushing yourself inside as soon as the blonde had opened the door.
"What did I do to deserve this?" she asked chuckling at your eagerness as you walked in her kitchen to get some plates and cutlery.
Cheekily, you replied "Nothing, I was just hungry"
Serving the food on the plates, you sat down at the table with Leah, comfortable silence filling the air while the two of you ate dinner.
Something was bothering Leah though, you could tell. Every now and then it seemed like she wanted to say something yet she closed her mouth quickly after.
"I‘m sorry for my behavior" she mumbled, "when you arrived at Arsenal, I mean" you looked up from your plate, meeting her eyes for a brief second, "I was skeptical about your loyalty and it got out of hand" carefully she laid her hand on yours, hoping you wouldn’t pull away.
You didn‘t - you wanted to hear what she had to say.
"I‘m really sorry and I know we started over, but I need you to know how sorry I am, this time without any drink in my system. You’re the most loyal person I know, I just didn‘t notice it"
"Leah" you said gently, "look at me, please"
The defender raised her head, looking at you with unsure eyes, rapidly tapping her foot under the table.
"Thank you for telling me. I guess I would have been skeptical too if I had played for the gunners my whole life" you told her, "I’m not excusing your behavior because it wasn‘t nice or appropriate but I don‘t have any bad blood against you either. In fact, I enjoy your company" you pulled her hand from hers, only to put it against her side profile, softly caressing the apple of her cheek.
Subconsciously, she leaned into your touch, "I‘m very sorry"
"I know"
The unspoken 'why' barrier was finally removed.
-
"Arsenal will win, I can feel it!" the defender stated, flopping down on the couch. With a bowl of popcorn in your hand, you sat down next to her, somehow your thighs touching even though the couch was big enough. "Liverpool is a tough opponent"
"Oh stop it! None of that"
Making herself comfortable on the couch, she turned on the tv, ready to see Arsenal win.
Getting comfortable yourself, you pulled your legs on the couch, leaning towards the armrest on the other side which earned you a glare, "what do think you‘re doing?"
"Oh, sorry" in an instant your feet were on the ground.
"No, what are you doing over there? Come here" she nodded to the space between her legs, signaling you to cuddle her.
With red cheeks and a racing heart, you crawled over, settling between her legs as your body melted into hers, head resting on her chest while her arms wrapped around you.
Leah was sure you could hear her racing heart and even though she desperately tried to concentrate on the match, she just couldn’t. With you in her arms, she wouldn’t ever want to think about anything else. You looked so precious in her arms, eyes fully focused on the tv.
"You are so beautiful" she admired, looking at you with heart eyes.
"What?"
You prompted yourself up, looking at the blonde who was smiling dazedly at you, "you are just so gorgeous" her fingers started to play with your hair as she got lost in your eyes, "let me take you on a date"
It was crazy how the mood had changed - from apologies at dinner to cuddling on the couch to asking you out.
"Okay" you smiled shyly, cheeks crimson red as your skin tingled.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah"
You stared at each other, eyes shining with adoration and passion, both of you slowly leaning in.
When your lips met, the world seemed to stop spinning, fireworks exploding as you melted into each other and Arsenal getting themselves on the scoreboard. She kissed you so gentle and tender - the complete opposite of the kiss you had shared before.
Everything was perfect.
-
After many many dates, the blonde asked you to be her girlfriend. None of your friends surprised at this point - you had always been obsessed with each other.
The two of you had been caught kissing several times, not even trying to hide it. Leah loved kissing you but she also loved physical touch in general, always holding your hand, having her arm around your midsection or her hand on your thigh while driving. She couldn’t get enough of you.
-
"Come to bed" the blonde whined, waiting for you to join her under the covers. Weirdly, neither of you could sleep good at night without being in each others embrace, so it became your routine - either Leah would sleep at your home or the other way around - this night you were at Leah‘s, and obviously you had stolen a shirt from her wardrobe as your pajamas - which she liked very much. You looked so cute in her clothes.
When you joined her, her arms were immediately wrapped around your body as she pulled you close, pressing a good night kiss on your temple.
The next morning, you woke up with hair in your face and a head resting on your chest, the blonde defender still peacefully asleep. You stayed like that for awhile, your hand gently rubbing her back before you slipped out of bed, ready to make some breakfast and your much needed coffee.
Since it was the weekend and your day off, you decided to surprise the England captain with some self made pancakes - you knew she loved them.
While Leah woke up due the feeling of your absence which turned out to be correct, something she didn‘t like. Sleeping without you was awful already but waking up without you? absolutely horrible.
Grumpily, she made her way out of the bedroom, the smell of pancakes hitting her nostrils, lightening her mood in an instant. Following the smell, she found you in the kitchen, only wearing a sports bra and some of her old Arsenal shorts - you looked cute - booping your head to the non existing music, no doubt that you were humming some song. Silently, the defender walked up behind you, her arms smacking around your stomach, "gosh, you scared me!"
"Sorry, baby" apologetic, she pressed multiple kisses on the side of your neck, fingers tracing along your sides.
You inhaled sharply when she traced along the stripe of tape on your shoulder, she had never brought it up before, respecting whatever story was behind it.
"You- you can take it off" you whispered breathlessly, anxiety and fear creeping through your body.
"Are you sure?" her lips kissed the other side of your shoulder, trying to calm you down and ease your mind.
"Yes, just- be careful, please"
and that’s exactly what she was. All of her moves were gentle and careful - you weren’t afraid that it would hurt pulling the tape off but the story behind it.
After the tape was ripped off a big scar was displayed on your shoulder, "it‘s from the car crash" you said, pain shooting through the healed wound. It wasn‘t an injury pain rather the type of phantom pain - suddenly you were back in the car.
"It‘s a constant reminder of what had happened - something that‘s my fault" you admitted, fighting the tears, "I started to cover it up but make up didn‘t work, so the physio at Ajax taped it. And since that day, I do it all the time"
Leah‘s heart broke at the vulnerability she was seeing, your posture seemingly weak and exposed.
"Is this okay?" Her pointer finger traced over the scar..
"Yeah"
..not in a way that made you uncomfortable but in a way that made you feel like you didn’t have to be ashamed of it.
"What about this?" for a moment you didn‘t feel her touch at all before she pressed featherlight kisses over your scar.
"yes"
Tears were streaming down your face, all of your walls broken down now, Leah made you feel perfect the way you are - because you are.
"I‘m proud of you"
Everything came crashing down, a sob escaped your throat and within a second, you were in your girlfriends arms, crying into her shoulder. The tears that you had not allowed to shed in previous years, fell all at once now.
The England captain hugged you through it all, letting you cry as long as you needed - she wouldn‘t go anywhere.
She had promised your brother to do everything in her power to be the best person you deserve and that‘s what she did, does and will do.
She kept her promise and you did too.
Arsenal was always half but never whole, Leah‘s begun to feel like home.
#leah williamson#leah williamson x reader#leah williamson x you#leah williamson imagine#woso fanfics#woso x reader#woso#arsenal wfc#arsenal x reader#arsenal women#lionesses#engwnt#engwnt x reader#lionesses x reader#steph catley#katie mccabe#woso image x reader#woso imagine#lia wälti
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prompt 79. When I saw you last night and got that old feeling.
I accidentally deleted the request, so sorry to the person who requested this. If you want to request, there's a prompt list linked in my masterlist
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Dating in your teens is either a blessing or a curse. You either remember them as the first love who loved you for what you had or the first love who shattered your heart beyond recognition.
For you it was different though. The love you had for each other exceeded what was normal, you were young and dumb, and yet you loved each other more than words could say.
You loved each other so much that when you were apart it felt like your hearts would burst.
So when she took the offer to go to the States on a football scholarship, you could already feel your heart breaking. The thought of you and your love being miles apart tearing a hole in your heart nothing could fill.
But in your heart was also that immense feeling of pride, your love had a scholarship to one of the greatest football schools in the entirety of the U.S. and it just made your heart swell.
After a whole lot of tears in the airport and one last kiss, she was shipped off to college leaving you to take up your studies at home. At first the phone calls were regular, every day of the week she’d call you and tell you about her day while you were trying your hardest to not fall asleep to the calming sound of her voice.
Like with any long distance relationship, the communication between you slowly dwindled until there was nothing but a thought of calling each other left. And just like that, the whirlwind of teen romance was gone, leaving an English RB sized hole in your heart.
And still, you kept up with what she was doing during all your years apart. You watched as she made her senior debut for England, you even watched every City game though not being a City fan.
All the while, you were getting your degree in photography and moving out of England, finding a job at the Frauen Bundesliga club of FC Bayern München.
There you stayed for the next 8 years, snapping pictures of new players and old players alike, players who were going into retirement and players who were just starting out their careers. Yet, you still kept up with the life of the woman you once loved so dearly.
You could still remember that summer, the one when you got that offer from Barcelona Femení to become one of their leading photographers. After a while of thinking and a lot of encouragement from the players who’d become your best friends, you decided to take the job.
So when you 2 years later make eye contact across the room with your first ever love, you cannot help but be surprised at all those old feelings flooding back. The girl you loved when you were a teen, now an even more gorgeous woman, was standing in front of you once again.
She still had the exact same effect on you as she did all those years ago, your heart thumping painfully behind your ribcage and your knees feeling weak.
The same could be said for her, your love, who’s eyes softened a tenfold, her hand coming up to scratch at her jaw, the secret signal you’d made as teens to tell the other that you loved them.
You see as she looks at you expectantly, you yourself bringing your hand up to scratch at the same spot on your jaw. The strong woman smiles that beaming smile at you, she understood that you still loved her the same way she loved you.
After years of loving Lucy Bronze from afar, it was time that you finally got to love her properly.
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so i can picture them correctly in my mind while reading, how old is each child!reader in their universes?
love the new edition of ellie and danielle!
So Liefje (Sharks!reader) and Peanut (Travel Day!reader) are around the same age at nearly 4 but Peanut is actually a few months older than Liefje
Injured!reader (Alexia's daughter) is 3 as well but she's an early 3 year old. Bebita (Difficult!reader) is an early 3 year old too but in Difficult I and II she's about 1 and a half.
Bean (Playing Favourites!reader) and Nena are a bit older at 4 and Breakfast!reader (Daan's daughter) is the oldest at around 8.
Princesse's age changes around depending on the fic. At the beginning, she's around 2-3 and a bit older during some of the fics set at Chelsea. When I finally get around to writing about her at Bayern, she's about 5-6 and I've got a few where she's a teen at around 14-15 when she's talking about youth teams and obviously, she's nearly seventeen when she signs for Arsenal 😊
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These new FC Bayern stars only come in a double pack
The top soccer players Pernille Harder and Magdalena Eriksson are moving to Munich on July 1st. What connects the two privately and on the pitch.
On her first day on Grünwalder Strasse, Pernille Harder internalized what was faltering at FC Bayern Munich . She had hardly signed the new professional contract when the Danish record striker reminded the fans of the club's motto in Bavarian: "Mia san mia!" Interestingly, "mia" is short for "billion" in Danish. The FCB men's squad is worth almost a billion, but as is well known, it has often lacked the much-vaunted Munich feeling of togetherness.
Just as close as the men, the women's team of the record champions also won their fifth title this year, but with significantly less noise. In the 2023/2024 season, the championship is again the declared goal of the women - and in 30-year-old Pernille Harder they have signed one of the best offensive players in the world. She doesn't come alone: Swedish defensive expert Magdalena Eriksson, Harder's partner, has also signed a professional contract with FC Bayern until 2026 . Both were previously on the pitch at Chelsea, winning the English Championship and the FA Women's Cup with the Blues.
Harder and Eriksson are used to playing together – privately since 2014, twice in the same team on the pitch: in 2016 they won the Swedish championship with Linköpings FC, in 2020 Harder followed her friend to London .
She knows the Bundesliga from her time at VfL Wolfsburg: Between 2017 and 2020, Harder shot the Wolves to the championship and the cup four times. When she moved to London, she was the most expensive soccer player in the world at a transfer fee of 330,000 euros. Both players are coming to Bayern Munich on a free transfer.
Leaving Chelsea was a tearful one, especially for Magdalena Eriksson. For four years she was captain of the blues. When she was presented with the framed jersey with the number 16 in the Kingsmeadow stadium with its 4,800 seats in mid-May, the 29-year-old lost her voice. "I love you guys," she said to the fans, "and I want to say thank you for everything." It's good that her friend was standing next to her at that moment, grabbing the microphone and completing the parting words. Since the time at Chelsea, the two have only been in a double pack. "It means a lot to me that we can move here together and stay together," said Harder in Munich , "we already had a long-distance relationship, we don't want that again."
Off the pitch, Harder and Eriksson campaign for LGBTIQ rights
The sporting director of the FCB women, Bianca Rech, is convinced that these two can "make the difference" in the Munich game. Harder and Eriksson are also "incredible personalities" off the pitch. Anyone who follows them on Instagram knows about their commitment to LGBTIQ rights. Incidentally, her beliefs flow into the posts, Eriksson wears them as a tattoo on his shoulder. "We are all human and we shouldn't judge anyone," it says in Swedish. Among her followers is world-famous British top model Cara Delevingne , herself a queer activist. In addition to the square, the boulevard has long since discovered the two, but the couple rarely gets involved in advertising deals and photo shoots:in pink tulle skirts and hoodies. They have been moderating the talk show “The Hangout” for Sky Sports since 2022. Soccer stars like Megan Rapinoe talk about their experiences as queer athletes.
In the Bundesliga, both also want to develop individually. "Seeing the German national team play at the European Championships last summer shows how the Bundesliga is developing"Harder says in the welcome video on Bayern's YouTube channel. "I'm excited to be back in the league." Her partner has no experience of the Bundesliga. In European football, however, she is a star and was nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2021 and was voted into the Women's World Cup that same year, which she attributes to her hunger for wins: "One of my greatest talents as a footballer is that I've always had this urge to constantly improve", says Eriksson in the video. "Taking on a new challenge only makes me hungrier for success and for learning more." But she can also be modest: "Coming into a new football culture and a new team, that makes me humble."
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So Oberdorf possibly joining Bayern in the summer based on multiple reports.
Personally I think that it would be a fantastic signing for Bayern, especially future-wise.
And also a good move for Obi. She’s been struggling with her mental health for quite some time now and adding to that a few injuries. Also the way Kellermann criticised Jule Brand publicly would “scare” me if I was Obi, considering she’s around the same age and people have the same expectations on her.
I think a new club and a new environment would be good for her.
I’ve also seen a lot of people saying that the Zadrazil/Stanway midfield is enough and that Bayern doesn’t need Obi. I don’t think it’s that easy tbh. Zadrazil is nearly 31 years old and while she’s a fantastic midfielder and definitely shouldn’t be a bench player, she’s not a future perspective.
Obi is only 22 years old with a lot of talent and even more potential. Georgia is also only 25 and already said multiple times, that she plans her future in Bayern. These two would make a killer midfield for many years.
Obviously so far we don’t know if it will really happen yet. We will see if we know more maybe after the Wolfsburg/Bayern game. Would definitely be a statement from Bayern if they make this signing.
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Finally managed to translate the full thing😅
1:30 - In 1971 when Denmark won the unofficial WWC the Danish commentator asked "Is there still anyone who dares to say something downgrading about women's football. Pernille "Yes, unfortunately. But luckily less and less in the past years, and when she hears it, she often just ignores them as she won't use her time on negativity.
4:30 - A typical day in camp is breakfast, training, sometimes media, treatment, some social activities and then early in bed (at least most of them she says)
5:00 - She "fears" most playing against England, and don't know what to expect from China and Haiti
6:00 - He believes Denmark can get out of the group but will meet a hard opponent. He thinks Pernille will be a key player. Pernille herself says the team will be disappointed if they don't get out of the group
8:00 - She thinks she's fit enough to play a full 90 minutes, and if she's tired after 80, she will still play the last ten (said with a smile)
9:00 - Talks about her injury and how she dealt with it mentally, ex. meditation but nothing knew
11:40 - Already when she laid in the dressing room, she knew it was a long injury
14:30 - Fun fact, she both played with Barbies and was a "tomboy"
14:50 - Talks about her short hair
15:00 - She knew very early that she was better than the others and talked about her essay. When she started to get on region teams and U-National teams she started to believe she really could go far.
16:50 - She's asked if it's only talented or also hard work. She thinks it's a mix of both and doesn't think anyone can be the best in the world if it's only talent.
17:15 - Henrik Lindinger talks about Pernille and how she's a "complete player" and how opponents have wanted pictures with her and everyone know who she is no matter where in the world she have played
19:30 - When she was 15-16 years, her big goal was to come to Germany to play which she would achieve through Sweden
20:30 - Talks about how it's nice to see different cultures and how to adapt to different team cultures
21:10 - The Bayern coach days he sees Pernille as a 9/10 which she agreed with
21:20 - Plays a clip from when she wins Danish player of the year 2015 and she says she won't be satisfied before she have won best in the world 5 times in a row. It wasn't a real goal but a meteor for achieving her full potential and be the best she can be.
23:30 - Talks about all the sacrifices she have to make when moving out from Denmark and generally be a football player.
23:50 - Her family is good to support her and visit her often, so she sees them a lot.
24:20 - Talks about a "package-deal". They never officially said they only would go together but i ly had said to their agents they would like to sign for the same club but it wasn't a demand. But she's really happy that a club like Bayern can use both of them
25:40 - We apparently got 2 times unofficial world cup Champions. The first time wasn't with a national team and Denmark didn't have any, instead a club called "FC femina" and the year after, we had a real national team who also won the WWC
26:00 - Plays a clip from the match and interviews with the former captain
27:00 - She think it's interesting to listen to the old sound files with the national team in the seventies and that they, when she was born, 20 years later, still wasn't public known.
NEW PART ADDED
28:50 - One of Pernille's goals was to make women's football more visible, she thinks she has achieved it partly, and Henrik Lindinger.
30:00 - Pernille's debutant match wasn't sent live, it got broadcaster later instead. It wasn't. until the semifinal 2013 it was broadcasted
31:00 - How was it to score a hattrick in your debutant match? Pernille: I was really nervous before the game, so after the game with a hattrick i was okay satisfied.
32:00 - Talks about the new fan club which she's very grateful for
33:50 - She's asked if she's an ambassador for women's football, and as humble as she is, she answers she is in Denmark, the host then adds she's also out of Denmark. Pernille says she's very grateful for her fans and she tries after a match to give back some of her time in the form of pictures and photographs for all the hours the fans use.
35:00 - A small feature from Helle Thorning Schmidt (Former prime Minister in Denmark) on Pernille's bravery to be herself and say her opinions
36:40 - The women got 1 million less than the men for reaching the final in 2017 compared to the men's euro in Russia. The women got 82.000 DKK. And Pernille's answer is clear NO it's not fair.
37:30 - She thinks it's hard to demand the same salary as the men, but at least the training facilities could be the same she thinks.
39:00 - Last season the average salary in the best women's League in England was 417.000 DKK and in the premiere League its 73 million DKK (174xthe women's yearly salary)
40:00 - Talk about the missed world cup in 2019 and the cancelled match against Sweden. She hadn't thought it would go that far so DBU would cancel a match for "as little as they asked for"
43:00 - Henrik Lindinger talks again about how Pernille had used her voice and how she after "the famous kiss" realized she had a platform. Pernille don't add something new about it
44:30 - It was after the kiss they both realized the platform they had as many people wrote to them how much it meant to them. She also adds about the Hangout
47:00 - Talks about how it's "normal" to come out as a women but not as a man
50:00 - she's asked what she wants to do after her football career, she has started to think about it as she's getting "older" and it should definitely still include football but she doesn't exactly know what it should be yet
50:45 - Clip with Junge. She says Pernille is a very down-to-earth person and not someone who has to be centre of attention
52:00 - After her career, she will not only think back on her football career but also her friendships around the world and how people see her as a person. She gets touched by Junge's words but as she's from Jutland (known for not showing emotions) she says she's not while smiling)
54:00 - She choose the ending song - Lykkeli with "I follow rivers"
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Column Vivianne Miedema | The fact that FC Utrecht comes with a women's team sounds nice, but it is not a good idea
Columnist Vivianne Miedema does not think it is a good idea that the Eredivisie for women is expanded to twelve teams. ,,You already see results of 8-0 or 9-0. That will only get worse if there are more clubs.”
Slowly I start to hobble around the house again. At the beginning of this month I had surgery on my knee after I was seriously injured in December. The operation was successful. Everything the doctors wanted to do succeeded. That knee still nags and that's why I sometimes lie awake at night because of the pain. That is still part of it now, such an operation is not nothing.
Due to my injury I follow the football news in the Netherlands even better than usual. After AZ, FC Utrecht is now also entering the premier league with a women's team, so that after the summer we will have a competition with twelve teams. That sounds nice and great, of course, but I don't think it's a good idea.
A lot has changed for the better in recent years, thanks to the excellent work of quite a few people with a heart for women's football. But let's also be honest. In the Netherlands we are still far from where we want to be with the women's premier league. When I switched from the premier league to Bayern Munich nine years ago (yes, I'm getting old), I would have thought we would have moved on now. Especially in view of the successes we have achieved with Orange in the meantime.
"We want a full-fledged premier league, which is not played on artificial turf"
FC Twente, PSV, Ajax and now also Feyenoord are doing really well, but the reality is that sometimes games are played on an artificial turf field at an amateur club on a cold Friday evening. For 250 spectators. Stop using that artificial grass anyway. We want a full-fledged premier league, which is not played on artificial turf. Easy.
So I am not in favor of expanding the Premier League. You can already see results of 8-0 or 9-0. That will only get worse if there are more clubs. Because I can't imagine that AZ (as a replacement for VV Alkmaar) and FC Utrecht have direct competitive teams. It would surprise me. Of course it also depends on how much those clubs want to invest. But otherwise they take players away from other clubs, so that the effect remains the same. Where do you suddenly get two complete selections from, while the overall level is already not high enough?
"There is simply not enough talent right now. Let's look at that, instead of trying to expand the Premier League. That's the correct order"
Here in England they have a system that I believe in. All clubs from the three highest divisions are obliged to contribute financially to the development of women's football. Even the clubs that do not have a women's branch of their own. It works twofold: there is money to develop the sport and it encourages clubs to set up a women's branch. This should also get off the ground in the Netherlands.
So that we can really work on a good foundation for women's football in the Netherlands. As a result, girls will eventually have the same facilities and opportunities as boys in the training of a professional club. Don't get me wrong: I really understand that something like this can't be done with the snap of a finger. But we have to think this way when it comes to the development of women's football.
I am concerned about the Premier League. And that is also a theme within Oranje. If we want to continue to perform at the top global level with the national team, a larger pond is needed. There is simply not enough talent right now. Let's look at that, instead of trying to expand the Premier League. That's the correct order.
#viv miedema#vivianne miedema#arsenal ladies#arsenal women#arsenal wfc#arsenal#awfc#dutch#nedwnt#ons oranje#oranjeleeuwinnen#karim benzema#meadema#beth mead#woso soccer#woso community#wosoedit#woso
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Ok this is an interesting development....With a half year old baby at the time.
I feel like Manu's retirement would not be far at this point if they decided for Ani to play handball again...and Nubel should reportedly return from Stuttgart in 2025 🤔🥲
But I have a different point to make, with all I have read about her and them together.
1.It's nice she decided to handle it all, despite she could stay at home comfortably ( as many people attack her, that it is all she wanted and did with Nina as well!).
2. May seem as not caring about baby ( I can see the comments like that coming), but as I handball nerd I can say that second league handball is not that difficult and very well manageable,since many players work or study at the same time ( same as Ani did). That is probably less time consuming than any other job. They usually train in the morning while Bayern has trainings in the afternoon. Also many of the away games are near Munich and Regensburg is only hour away. Also happy mother = happy child, they say ?
3. An objective truth is that she is very talented player( I would say even more than her brother), she has very good vision and precise hand. You don't score 71 goals in 25 games,If you don't have it. She was clearly her team's best player in 2022-23 before baby. If she focused only in Handball and nor having a serious injury, she could have been surely playing 1st Bundesliga by now.
4. This is such a positive sign for all woman that motherhood is not a burden, it does not stop you from fulfilling your dreams and being active mother, if you have a great man by your side. Not to mention it is amazing to see everyone around her being supportive of that, because that will need lot of logistics. It is nice to see a man as successful as Manu to support his wife doing whatever she wants ! ( Also something haters said before !)
5.I am preety sure Marita is a very handy grandmother and around a lot and while she lives in Munich she will surely be involved in this a Goat a handball player and a baby project and can help for 2-3 hours a day, if needed or take care If they are both away sometimes. Also I think Regensburg will do maximum to make it easy and smooth and she surely can take day or two off if needed, since even 50% Ani or sometimes missing games due to Luca, will be an update for the team on Left wing.
6. That clearly does not mean they don't love that little one more than anything and are career focused ( as people already said about it on few comments under article). It just means that can have family and careers. It's 2024 and this is a new normal which does not mean little one will grow up with nannies and those 2 surely will be very handy parents.
Maybe bit more complicated but honestly that's Manu he is a perfect example of complication mixed with geniality 😁😂
7. I love this transformation,despite she will surely be hated also for that. BUT THIS woman is becoming a slaying champion of woman power from a naive little girl, many people called her... There have been a lot said about this relationship, they never reacted and they are here, married with a baby. She now has a baby ( Manu wanted for a long time) and a career......and I love that more than with anyone, because that's to all the haters face ❤️ It is a strange feeling of satisfaction there in all honesty as a fan who only wanted the best for Manu since day one of this relationship.
That will those people say now about the woman they called a golddiger, who does not even want to play and fakes an injuries ? There were stupid ageist remarks about 14 years age gap as if that was their problem ! She proved during the time to be focused, very resilient despite all injuries and ambitious. And here she comes= independent, focused on her goal and excited to play again ! She clearly has a best sparring to practice over summer, so she will do great job😉 game over for haters 🖕🏻
8.You know she never did anything to attract attention in this relationship imo. As we all know Manu wants his privacy. It gave me a lot of respect for her to be honest. I saw it as a great proof of her not being like people say, because she was kind of little influencer before. She never used the attention because she dates Manu, never posted with him, never being spotlight hunter, not showing to everyone, who she is with. I started sceptical as many people, I have to admit, but that passed away long time ago. Do not forget Manu is a great human after all and I doubt he will marry anyone without values to match his own.
Well the attention thing will most likely, nicely change because she will absolutely proudly just smash thaaaaat Neuer on her jersey and believe me people will care 😍 That will be most followed 2nd ligue player on planet I swear 😂😂😂 And She will slay that, I am telling you 🙏🏻
10.Would love to see Bunkerladies in Bundesliga soon and she can 100% help that 💪🏻Despite people calling her mediocre =they just don't have a clue 😂
They are the most lowkey IT couple on the planet, but Neuers are on 🔥🔥🔥 She proves to fit to Manu as a glove daily this woman !
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Interview with Bambi
By:FCB
Jamal, hand on heart! How many times have you had to tell the story of your last-day goal in Cologne?
Jamal Musiala: "It's been a lot of times, but it's what I like to do (smiles). It motivates me to want to have more moments like this in my career. Hopefully I can help the club win more titles."
What went through your mind when you scored the last-minute goal in Cologne?
"There were so many emotions that I didn't know what to do. I was just screaming with joy and jumping up and down (laughs). It was a great moment for me. And it's even nicer to have helped us become champions with that all-important goal. But that doesn't change the way I coach now. I'm looking ahead to the new season: we have a lot of plans. Of course we celebrate the championship, but we can play better. We are totally focused on the new season, we can achieve many things."
With that goal, you've probably already achieved the legend status among Bayern fans. But do you think your position within the team has changed as a result?
"My motivation to train, my environment and my mentality remain the same. My behavior within the team won't change either. I always want to give my all and celebrate successes together with the team."
You're only 20 years old, but you're already in your fourth season as a professional at FC Bayern. To what extent are your responsibilities in the team increasing?
"My expectations are always high. The more you play, the more responsibility you acquire. Over time, I've become more confident and I trust myself to push and carry my teammates along."
How would you describe the structure of your team and your place in it?
"We have more experienced players in our team, who have already lived more and also communicate more. For example, Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer or Joshua Kimmich. They are leaders who can always be asked for advice. But every player on the pitch has his moments to be a leader. We always try to help each other."
Can you also be a speaker or do you prefer to let your feet do the talking?
"I'm a person who doesn't usually like to be the center of attention. I'll never be the center of attention, I'm not usually the loudest person in the place, I'm quieter. But on the field, if I have an opinion on something or can help someone, I speak up. I can and want to be a leading player who leads with performance and pushes his teammates with it."
Are you the first point of contact for players who have moved on from the campus to the pros?
"I try to help them on and off the pitch and give them advice. It's not always easy to get your bearings as a professional when you're young, especially at FC Bayern. When I was in that position, I also asked a lot of questions. It was important for me to play with confidence and freedom. That's my strength."
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
"The most important thing is to start and get through the preseason healthy. Compared to last season, I want to improve, which means scoring more goals and providing more assists. I want to get my rhythm back and always be on top. I love scoring and assisting goals."
You are considered one of the favorites for the Golden Boy Award. What would such an award mean to you?
"If you get nominated for such an award, it means you've had a very good season. The fact that I'm nominated is a reward for all the work I've done over the last few years, although I'm aware that this is only possible as a team, because in football you can't achieve anything alone. Of course I would be very happy to receive the award. There are many top players among the nominees. Whatever the result, I'll stay in the game."
You are also a role model off the pitch at an early age. With your "Team Musiala Foundation", you want to pass on values to the children who accompanied you on your path to professional football. How important is that to you?
"There are many children who love football. They need support on their way. But the foundation is not only about football, but also about other sports like basketball or their school and professional careers. It's about making dreams come true. I want to help kids follow their path."
You are still at the beginning of your preseason, what are your first impressions and do you already know Thomas Tuchel better?
"When the new coaching staff arrived, there wasn't much time, one game after another. Now we have more time to work on implementing the ideas. We have to do the supposedly simple things well and effectively, and we have to avoid simple mistakes."
What needs to happen to get back in shape for longer?
"Sometimes we had phases in matches when we lost energy. Then it was difficult for us to come back. We have to keep our concentration high, play easier and keep the ball in the phases when we have to save energy. The concentration in every action, in every pass, must always be at the highest level, and that throughout the season".
Next year, Euro 2024 will be held in Germany. Are you looking forward to it?
"Everyone is really looking forward to such a big tournament, it will be fun. But now we're fully focused on the start of the season to find our rhythm again. That also applies to the national team. We have to win games to gain confidence in ourselves. Then we hope to have a good European Championship."
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I’ve got a couple of questions, so I apologise in advance:
1. Do you think that K would ever consider going back to city? She kinda seemed like she outgrown them (not the people) but the way they play football. I do think her potential was wasted as she didn’t exactly get the recognition for how good she was until the euros.
2. Would you say K seems different recently? (Not talking about the Ona/Lucy situation) I’ve seen people say that she seems like she’d rather be doing anything but playing football. I don’t really get why they think this, but I’ve seen a lot. Maybe they’ve seen something I haven’t?
3. Since K has joined Barca people keep saying once Alexia is fully fit, the midfield will be Alexia, Aitana and Patri again. If this occurs and K gets benched for all the big matches do you think K will leave? I can’t see her sitting on the bench no matter how much she loves the club. I think Alexia will get played as a false nine, hence why they keep trying her there and leave the midfield as Aitana, Patri and K. But what are your thoughts?
4. Ona/Lucy seem like a sweet couple, I wouldn’t say they’re my favourite because I don’t care enough if they’re together or not. But on the topic of L and K, did they just carry on sharing shoes after they break up?🤣 In march - June they both wore the same shoes a couple of times at different times. And sunglasses, but since K always ended up wearing them in the end, I’m guessing they belonged to K?😭
5. Who your favourite friendship between K and people at Barca/England?
Happy to chat about these. I'll go question by question.
I think there is a high likelihood of Keira going back to City after she has maybe played for Barca a couple more years, and possibly another European team. I can see her playing in the Bundesliga, especially at Bayern. But my gut tells me K will retire at City, especially once GT leaves. I don't think many of his players, including K liked him. I also see her coming back as Captain, as she deserves, and finishing her career there.
2. Think people who think she looks like she'd rather be doing anything but play football are projecting a bit there. To me Keira looks even more dedicated to bettering herself as a player, becoming more aggressive, more intelligent. I think what people often get wrong about Keira are two things: She is a very calm person and player, so often looks like she is disinterested and not intense about something, but her football IQ is massive and she knows how to play simply yet brilliantly. People don't notice how serious she is about the game because she makes it look effortless. The second thing is that she is the type of person who is hard to read. I think she like to stay very stoic, which I like about her, but that makes it tricky for people to tell what she's thinking, so they project their own feelings on to her.
3. I would be very surprised if Keira is frequently benched. She is the heartbeat of any team she plays on and keeps the tempo. Alexia is still not the Alexia of old. But that said, I think Jona plans to play her as a false 9. Barca don't have too many strikers who can start regularly and I think they plan to slot Alexia into that kind of position. Imagine, Aitana, Patri, Keira, and Alexia all lined up in that midfield. I wouldn't worry about Keira's place at all. If you know football, you know how important she is.
4. I don't have much of an opinion on Ona and Lucy, expect that I hope they are both very happy. I also think these relationships are in their infancy and it's too soon to start thinking of any of them as possible long term and serious things. I do think Keira and Lucy were sharing quite a bit of their clothing until recently, because their relationships are new too. If you notice that lately they've been sharing less. It's very hard to fall out of old habits. Also, who is to say good friends still can't share? They all strike me as mature and settled people who don't cause dramatics.
5. Ahh, my fave friendship at England will surprise you. Obviously G and Leah are her besties. But I love the way Rachel Daly talks about Keira and how she feels about her. It seems she's very protective of K and loving towards her, so that's my absolute favourite. And with Barca, well it has to be with Pina. I love the fact that neither of them understands the other one yet they're always hugging each other and laughing together. It's the cutest thing to see. But Keira strikes me as such a joyful and pleasant personality that she can be friends with just about anyone.
#keira walsh#woso#women's football#barca femeni#arsenal#lionesses#georgia stanway#leah williamson#claudia pina#rachel daly
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Erling Haaland did the unexpected to give Man City control against Bayern Munich
Haaland does it all
The theory is that Erling Haaland is the missing piece of the jigsaw for Manchester City in the Champions League. His relentless appetite for goals could prove to be the difference between those agonising near-misses and City finally getting their hands on that iconic trophy.
His mind-blowing record of 45 goals in 39 games - 11 in seven in the Champions League - suggests it could be an accurate assessment. He can pick open tight games and pummel opposition who are on the ropes.
But he's becoming more than just a goalscorer as well. Pep Guardiola has said consistently this season that he hopes to leave his mark on the 22-year-old, by getting him mor
e involved in the build-up play and a more unpredictable threat.
There is still more to come on that front but if it's the unexpected you want then look no further of what was Haaland's sixth assist for the club. When Jack Grealish played him in after winning the ball from Dayot Upamecano it looked like a great shooting opportunity.
But as Yann Sommer came out to narrow the angle, Haaland feinted. He pulled his left foot but instead flicked a cross into the space that was quickly being targeted by Bernardo Silva. His header doubled City's lead after Rodri's brilliant opener.
Haaland did what he usually does, of course. His finish for City's third was underrated and that's the goal which pretty much killed this tie off ahead of next week's second leg in Munich, but the versatility in his game is another reason why this could yet be City's year.
Bernardo vs Davies
It was a clash of styles down the City right at the Etihad. Alphonso Davies has pace to burn at left-back for Bayern, while Bernardo Silva has to be, with all due respect, one of the slower right-wingers on the circuit at this level.
But speed doesn't always beat brain. Davies showed some good recovery pace when Bernardo was sent clear behind him, but so often the City wide men protected the ball and found space because he made the ball do the work at close quarters.
He never looked to surge clear of the Canadian international. He kept the ball close to his feet, used his low centre of gravity to shift his balance and generally bamboozled Davies.
The build-up to the first goal was a case in point. Davies had stopped Bernardo's breakaway but looked fearful to dive in and take the ball away, sensing that as soon as he made the move, the ball would be gone. Bernardo found a pass out as he lulled his marker in and a few seconds later the ball was in the back of the net.
It was just one of a catalogue of brilliant moments from a player who so often saves his best for the very biggest games. There was the second-half triple nutmeg when he poked the ball through the legs of Davies (twice) and Leon Goretzka and to cap it off the header to put City in control of the tie.
Champions League quality
In his programme notes on Tuesday Guardiola opined of the Champions League: "This competition is special; it is the most beautiful in football, with the very best players all competing on the same stage."
Anybody who had the privilege of witnessing the quality of this match in what were often filthy weather conditions could only agree with that sentiment. This was high-quality football.
There was tactical intrigue, technical quality and plenty of goalmouth action. It might not have been one of those crazy Champions League scorelines, but it was a brilliant game of football, with the right team coming out on top.
Stones' new role
There was a feeling that Kyle Walker might be restored to this City side, with his pace an insurance against Bayern's rapid speed in the final third, something that felt even more noticeable when Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry all appeared on the team sheet.
But Guardiola opted to stick with the same defenders, if not the same exact set-up. John Stones has spent a lot of his time playing in midfield of late, shifting back to right-back when there was a threat down that side, but he was more of a central defender against Bayern.
Rather than be tasked with having to get across to Sane, Guardiola left Manuel Akanji against the former City winger. Instead, Stones stepped forward a bit once City had a spell of possession but then quickly shifted straight back in alongside Ruben Dias when Bayern began their build-up.
It didn't always work flawlessly and the England international must have been sick of his manager's voice by the end of the game, such was the level of coaching and instruction he received, but at the moment it feels like Stones can adapt to those positional changes.
Ghosts of the past and present
Sane was afforded a polite welcome back to the Etihad when his name was read out before kick-off. His time at the Etihad didn't end brilliantly, although it wasn't too acrimonious either. He wanted to play more regularly and City never keep players against their will. He was a big part of Guardiola's first title-winning team but his muted reception felt about right.
Sane did get the better of Akanji midway through the first half to set up a big chance for Jamal Musiala, which was brilliantly blocked by Dias, and he curled a shot from distance just wide at the end of the opening period and straight at Ederson early in the second half.
source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Follow anzfootball - free live football online for more news!
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Andrés Majano ♦ Cis Man (he/him) ♦ Forty ♦ Civilian ♦ Football manager with Arsenal FC
Ruthlessness is a virtue in this game, on the pitch. If the players aren’t willing to embrace that, then they have no business being in my team.
We all have this earliest memory which never leaves our mind. To some, it’s the first day at school, a particularly nice day or, more often, a small fright. Either way, those memories usually date back to the age of 3 to 6 years old.
Andrés didn’t have a memory predating the day he woke up in a hospital. He had been in a coma for months and neither the doctors or the police, despite their best efforts, could figure out how that boy wound up shipped in a box, or where he came from at all. Whoever had put him in there had left absolutely no traces behind them, and soon, he was placed in an orphanage.
To the social workers’ surprise, the boy was well spoken, polite and had received an education. He was adopted by a Spanish businessman and his wife, and his life only began then.
He spent the end of his childhood in Málaga, on the southern coast of Spain, learned the language, and displayed an interest for football, a sport he’d played in his former life. If he also had spent countless hours riding horses and fencing, those were hobbies he wasn’t exposed to, and therefore never found himself drawn to.
If his father would have preferred his son took over the business, a scout for Málaga CF decided otherwise. By the time he was 15, Andrés would spend more time on the pitch than he did in classrooms, and he debuted his professional career by the time he turned 17.
Soon enough, he shone too bright for his Andalusian club and transferred to Milan and then Turin. But, his goal, like many other players before him, had always been England and the Premiere league, and his dream came true when he wound up playing for Arsenal FC from the age of 23 until the age of 31. Finishing his career with Bayern München, he retired at 34 and dedicated the next couple of years to his new mission. Andrés was a born leader, having often found himself the designated team captain in his teams, and he didn’t want to be one of those football players who ended up forgotten by the time he turned 40.
But life wasn’t only rainbows and butterflies, and even the most successful men had their demons. If he made it a point to keep himself in good shape, and always encouraged his team mates and now his players of doing the same, Andrés wasn’t as strong psychologically speaking. He had his vices : he slept around, a fear of abandonment keeping him from ever trusting anyone enough for longer company, and he found enjoyment in gambling : sometimes, he was successful, some others... not so much. He spends a fortune paying back the Red Rose Casino yet can’t stop himself from going back. Eventually, his generous salary won’t be able to cover all of his expenses and people will start talking.
+ / - decisive, pragmatic, federator, charming, insecure, secretive, ruthless, severe
Over the course of his career, Andrés has played as a midfielder in many clubs (finishing his career with FC Bayern München) and with the Spanish national team. The highlights of his career will remain a World and European title with Spain (2010 and 2012).
Andrés has a distinctive burn mark on his hand, which dates back from before his adoption. He doesn’t remember where it comes from, and will come up with a different story to explain it each time he’s asked about it.
He bought a house in Kensington, London not too far from Hyde Park, the train station or the Arsenal stadium, but though he owns other places in each place he played, Andrés had to sold already one of them in order to reimburse the Jabberwocks.
Each of his houses has a garden attached to it : Andrés finds solace putting his hands in the dirt and making sure each and every plant gets everything it needs to thrive. His garden is a place sacred to him and one he cherishes more than any other possession. He puts a lot of thought and time into it.
Having lived in Spain and played in Italy, England and Germany, Andrés speaks all four languages with acceptable fluency.
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This will probably be behind a paywall soon-ish. Good piece on Frido winning Diamantbollen and our/the expectations on her. A decent analysis.
To the naked eye Kosse looked to have a better Euro than Frido. Turns out the Diamantbollen winner had a higher number of offensive actions than the average. Looking at all data Frido was the second best left wing forward, just behind Germany's Klara Bühl.
Thorén: Says a lot about our expectations
When the demands changed, the intensity became higher and the role new, Fridolina Rolfö humbly responded and created a sharper version of herself.
2022 is the Barcelona star's best season at club team level.
2023 should be the year when the national team again succeeds in creating golden weathering with its now well-polished diamond.
Clay covered slopes. At least that's the feeling when you're at the delightful rural pitch a few minutes from Fjärås in northern Halland.
My many visits to the sports ground over the years have been as a parent on a blanket in the grass with a coffee mug in hand or as a seven-man leader, but only this summer did I realize the uniqueness in that it was the same ground that young soft Fridolina feet trod.
The lawn, surrounded by meadows and a stable, is a place where girls' dreams of a career on the main world stage can now be born in an honest way thanks to the inspiration Fridolina Rolfö left behind and the new market in Europe.
From Lertäppa to Camp Nou, Fridolina Rolfö made it. She did it without having a similar role model herself.
But just like the foundation of her childhood plan, the road has not been straight.
The courage to dare to speak out and back away from parts of former club Bayern Munich's hard physical training to prevent recurring diffuse muscle problems and injuries was decisive and mature.
She embraced the attitude to Barcelona coach Jonatan Giraldez's unexpected request after the move to Spain with confidence. She came there with an expectation of becoming a piece of the puzzle like Barcelona's razor-sharp attack. She was. As a left back.
Earlier last fall, Jonathan Giraldez talked about the reactions to the retraining of the Swedish wing forward/offensive midfielder.
- In the beginning, I remember that people thought I was crazy for playing her as a left-back, but for us she is a not a left-back. She is a winger and can adapt to our way and use her strengths, he said.
In her new role, Fridolina Rolfö has improved her defensive game, she has become adept at controlling her opponent and breaking the ball with the right foot position and aggressive action.
Offensively, she retains her top qualities - sharp one on one, the ability to bring the ball forward and use her fine shot when she ends up more centrally in the lane.
There she was second best in the entire EC
But above all, her input - both early entries and cutbacks - has become even sharper. Barcelona is often a marked playmaker in their matches and chooses to build their game via the right wing and centrally. Deliberately to open up the spaces on the left for his modern all-round player at left back.
Counting from December to date, Fridolina Rolfö has played 26 league matches for Barcelona. It has resulted in eight goals and several assists. A flattering conclusion for a left-back, for a player and person who chose to flourish when the environment created conditions instead of getting stuck in old ways of thinking.
When Barcelona intensity knocked the football world with its gold in the Champions League in the spring of 2021, Rolfö was not in the club.
Lyon, with its physical way of playing, had found a hurtful method in this spring's CL final, but it was not Fridolina Rolfö who bowed down in Barcelona.
Before this summer's EC, we all thought that Fridolina Rolfö would be the player who led her Swedish national team to EC gold.
Sweden faltered at times, but made it to the semi-finals. The meeting with England was, however, exposed.
The outside forward Fridolina Rolfö was also not the decisive key in Sweden's offensive.
A slightly worn body has been given as a reason afterwards. There were more reasons.
While Fridolina Rolfö against simpler opposition with larger surfaces played a decisive role during the 2021 Olympic silver journey, the space and the decisive actions became fewer against a more intense, low-defensive EC opposition.
Union captain Peter Gerhardsson was also unable to resolve the tactical knots to give Rolfö room to play.
When the Football Channel summed up the Barcelona player's efforts, it turned out that her offensive actions were higher than the average in the EC. If you looked at all the data in the analysis, Fridolina Rolfö was the second best left winger in the entire EC, just after Germany's Klara Bühl.
Can give golden weathering this summer
That says a lot about the expectations we have of Fridolina Rolfö.
But rightfully so.
Fridolina Rolfö, raised by IFK Fjärås in Lertäppa and Ögärdets IP a few hundred meters north of the church, has made a unique journey.
She wins the Diamond Ball for the second year in a row.
The 29-year-old does it as an even more complete player, as an updated version of himself.
Her performances on the pitch are total, defensive, offensive - Fridolina Rolfö is not stuck in a template but acts from freedom with extensive fitness and phenomenal technique.
Hopefully, the Swedish national team management can create an environment which means that the now polished diamond Rolfö can give the WC team golden weathering in the summer.
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Andrés Majano ♦ Cis Man (he/him) ♦ Forty ♦ Civilian ♦ Football manager with Arsenal FC
Ruthlessness is a virtue in this game, on the pitch. If the players aren’t willing to embrace that, then they have no business being in my team.
We all have this earliest memory which never leaves our mind. To some, it’s the first day at school, a particularly nice day or, more often, a small fright. Either way, those memories usually date back to the age of 3 to 6 years old.
Andrés didn’t have a memory predating the day he woke up in a hospital. He had been in a coma for months and neither the doctors or the police, despite their best efforts, could figure out how that boy wound up shipped in a box, or where he came from at all. Whoever had put him in there had left absolutely no traces behind them, and soon, he was placed in an orphanage.
To the social workers’ surprise, the boy was well spoken, polite and had received an education. He was adopted by a Spanish businessman and his wife, and his life only began then.
He spent the end of his childhood in Málaga, on the southern coast of Spain, learned the language, and displayed an interest for football, a sport he’d played in his former life. If he also had spent countless hours riding horses and fencing, those were hobbies he wasn’t exposed to, and therefore never found himself drawn to.
If his father would have preferred his son took over the business, a scout for Málaga CF decided otherwise. By the time he was 15, Andrés would spend more time on the pitch than he did in classrooms, and he debuted his professional career by the time he turned 17.
Soon enough, he shone too bright for his Andalusian club and transferred to Milan and then Turin. But, his goal, like many other players before him, had always been England and the Premiere league, and his dream came true when he wound up playing for Arsenal FC from the age of 23 until the age of 31. Finishing his career with Bayern München, he retired at 34 and dedicated the next couple of years to his new mission. Andrés was a born leader, having often found himself the designated team captain in his teams, and he didn’t want to be one of those football players who ended up forgotten by the time he turned 40.
But life wasn’t only rainbows and butterflies, and even the most successful men had their demons. If he made it a point to keep himself in good shape, and always encouraged his team mates and now his players of doing the same, Andrés wasn’t as strong psychologically speaking. He had his vices : he slept around, a fear of abandonment keeping him from ever trusting anyone enough for longer company, and he found enjoyment in gambling : sometimes, he was successful, some others... not so much. He spends a fortune paying back the Red Rose Casino yet can’t stop himself from going back. Eventually, his generous salary won’t be able to cover all of his expenses and people will start talking.
+ / - decisive, pragmatic, federator, charming, insecure, secretive, ruthless, severe
Over the course of his career, Andrés has played as a midfielder in many clubs (finishing his career with FC Bayern München) and with the Spanish national team. The highlights of his career will remain a World and European title with Spain (2010 and 2012).
Andrés has a distinctive burn mark on his hand, which dates back from before his adoption. He doesn’t remember where it comes from, and will come up with a different story to explain it each time he’s asked about it.
He bought a house in Kensington, London not too far from Hyde Park, the train station or the Arsenal stadium, but though he owns other places in each place he played, Andrés had to sold already one of them in order to reimburse the Jabberwocks.
Each of his houses has a garden attached to it : Andrés finds solace putting his hands in the dirt and making sure each and every plant gets everything it needs to thrive. His garden is a place sacred to him and one he cherishes more than any other possession. He puts a lot of thought and time into it.
Having lived in Spain and played in Italy, England and Germany, Andrés speaks all four languages with acceptable fluency.
FC : John Krasinski
#civilian#andres majano#crime rp#oc rp#skeleton rp#semi-appless rp#writtenbyamelie#taken#John Krasinski
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World Cup 2022: Group A Preview
Group A Dates, Times and Locations
Monday, November 21st
13:00 Senegal v Netherlands - Al Thumama Stadium
Monday, November 21st
19:00 Qatar v Ecuador - Al Bayt Stadium
Friday, November 25th
16:00 Qatar v Senegal - Al Thumama Stadium
Friday, November 25th
19:00 Netherlands v Ecuador - Khalifa International Stadium
Tuesday, November 29th
18:00 Qatar v Netherlands - Al Bayt Stadium
Tuesday, November 29th
18:00 Ecuador v Senegal - Khalifa International Stadium
Qatar:
For the host nation, the task is clear, and manager Felix Sanchez is a 46-year-old who knows the country - and its football teams well. The Spaniard first came to Qatar in 2006, joining Aspire Academy. Over the years, he's held positions with the Under 19's and Under 23's before taking over the national team in 2017. Since then, he's led the team to the Asian Cup in 2019 and third place in the Arab Cup in December 2021. He has worked with the squad in a variety of age groups, and he has a lasting relationship with many of them. That said? The task is impossible and getting out of the group stage is a bridge too far.
On the pitch, results count, but off it, the World Cup represents a chance for the nation of Qatar to showcase the country to the world. Nassar Al-Khater is the Chief Executive Officer of the FIFA World Cup and feels that visitors will not only be amazed by the quality of football and the stadiums that are being built. What he is choosing to ignore is the fact that they had to move the World Cup to December to deal with the oppressive heat, and the fact that hundreds of migrant workers have died building those same stadiums Qatar is putting forth as their "showcase to the world". You know, little things. Nothing major.
Netherlands:
Oh, the Dutch. Will the three-time finalists finally get their hands on the elusive trophy? The smart money would say no, but expect Holland to make it past the group stage and play some technical and appealing football on their way there. Talent like Depay, De Ligt, Van Djik, Malen, Danjuma and De Jong give this team match-winning ability throughout the pitch while newcomers Tyrell Malachia, Cody Gakpo and Noa Lang offer speed and the brilliance of unbridled youth and enthusiasm to a match side that could provide a surprise or two.
The issue is that Netherlands are perennial underachieves and with the recent cancer diagnosis of their manager, Louis Van Gaal, one has to ask how truly prepared is this squad? A soft group in qualifying did not provide the tests or the answers to the questions facing this squad, but lucky for them, those same questions won't need to be answered in the first three games. Once it becomes knockout time, however? Expect a quick dismissal for the Clockwork Oranje.
Senegal:
In World Football, there are always teams who are often overlooked solely due to their location or the exposure that their particular brand of football represents. To say that African teams get the short end of the stick both economically and from an exposure standpoint is old news by this point, but Senegal, this year's AFCON winners after a dramatic penalty shootout with Egypt? They're loaded and could make the furthest journey in a World Cup that we've seen from an African team in quite some time.
Most would say that Senegal's fortunes rely on the exploits of Sadio Mane. A recent transfer to Bayern Munich after a sterling career at Liverpool, the gifted playmaker and goalscorer is the fulcrum of all things in the Senegal attack. Elusive, gifted at finding space and blindingly fast on a counter-attack, Mane has caused fits for EPL defenses for years and months after taking his craft to the Bundesliga, he'll be taking his talents to Qatar flanked by a sneaky good cast of supporting actors.
Eduard Mendy is as good a goalkeeper as there is in World Football today. At the back Koulibaly, and Diallo provide security in their respective positions, while Kouyate and Gueye secure the middle of the pitch and link play with the aforementioned Mane and his partner on the opposite flank, Ismalia Sarr; a man who seems like he was born with a rocket attached to his ass when you think about the speed he has. Senegal is good, perhaps sneaky good, but they won't be a surprise for long.
Ecuador:
Before the 2000s, Ecuador hadn't reached a single World Cup in their entire history. Entering Qatar, this will be their 4th consecutive World Cup and expectations are high for Ecuador to finally deliver an elusive round of 16 appearance, their last coming when they were eliminated in 2006 by a brilliant David Beckham free-kick vs England. Perhaps then, this is Ecuador's time.
Victories over Chile & Uruguay in the first round of World Cup qualifying and subsequent draws with Brazil & Argentina prove that Ecuador is better than people give them credit for, but more importantly, their talent gives them a legitimate shot to make it to the group stage out of Group A.
Pablo Hincapie and Pervis Estupinan both ply their trade in Europe with Leverkeusen and Villareal respectively and provide solid coverage at the back. Gonzalo Plata, Moises Caicedo, Angel Mena, and youngster Alan Franco, who is carving up the Liga Professional de Argentina with Talleres provide options and a midfielder core than compete with anyone in Group A.
Their strength, however, would be their forward line. Michael Estrada and Leonardo Campana are developing tremendously as goalscoring threats at DC United and Inter Miami respectively, and reliable talisman Enner Valencia is still banging in the goals at Fenerbache even at the "advanced" age of 32. This is a quality team that looks worse than it is due to the glut of talent and quality at the top of half of CONMEBOL, but make no mistake, they can compete and win against any team in Group A.
Group Prediction:
Senegal
Ecuador
Holland
Qatar
#world cup 2022#Qatar#Netherlands#Senegal#Ecuador#ecuadorian national team#fifa#netherlands national team
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