2025-08-16, 06:05 AM - Word count:
(This post was last modified: 2025-08-16, 06:09 AM by omniscius. Edited 1 time in total.)
Part 1
I was taken to L'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample the neighbourhood of C.F. Catalunya's stadium, Camp de la Industria. Here, I would be situated in the C.F. Catalunya residency, La Masia, just a few streets down C/Urgell from where I would be playing. If I was signed, that is. But the excitement was there. On the way there, the C.F. Catalunya liaison was going over our itinerary for the day.
I was taken to L'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample the neighbourhood of C.F. Catalunya's stadium, Camp de la Industria. Here, I would be situated in the C.F. Catalunya residency, La Masia, just a few streets down C/Urgell from where I would be playing. If I was signed, that is. But the excitement was there. On the way there, the C.F. Catalunya liaison was going over our itinerary for the day.
"First, we'll be going to take you to your room at La Masia, then we'll give you a tour of the whole Ciutat Esportiva Budget Busquets complex. Training will start tomorrow at 10 am, but the coach wants you in at 9 am tomorrow to introduce himself and the staff to you. You know, just kind of going over what their expectations are for you over the trial, so we'll have you back in time to rest up and prepare." Said the C.F. Catalunya liaison whose name tag read Oriol.
"Moltes mercès!" I say, trying to flex some of the Catalan I learned before coming over.
"Don't worry we already got you set up for an intensive Catalan language training if signed and we'll be offering language support for as long as needed. In the meanwhile, we have a translator available to assist for the time being." Oriol continued: "Although, one of the ways to make yourself endearing to the fans is to learn the language and culture here. We're a proud bunch."
"It's been a dream of mine to play here and I'm looking forward to proving I belong." I said with a bit of confidence. I was confident god would be on my side and through his will, I knew I could achieve anything.
We started to approach the Ciutat Esportive Budget Busquets. A massive sports complex, you could see it standing out as we drove down the highway. As we neared, I was visually overwhelmed by beauty.
As I stepped out the car, I felt that wave of heat hit me again, bringing me back to that feeling I got leaving the airport - a nervous excitement as I was about the embark on a new journey. Oriol led us to the door, opening it, gesturing inside, he insisted: "after you." I obliged and walked inside.
As I walked in, I was immediately drawn to this giant wall of plants. Oril must have noticed as he pointed to it and said, "that there is the ' living wall.'" He continued: "this wall of plants helps increase the sustainability of this building by saving water, reducing energy consumption, improving air quality, and facilitating maintenance." I nodded, pretending to comprehend everything he was telling me.
Oriol seemed to buy it as he started again, "at C.F. Catalunya, we have what we call an 'ecology of football' here. We recognize that building a successful club culture begins with recognizing that we need to build a strong, supportive, and sustainable ecosystem."
An ecology of football, I thought: what the fuck does that even mean?
"The coach will explain our club philosophy tomorrow. For now, follow me," he said, as he beckoned me over. He led me to the front desk where he introduced me to the women standing there: "Hola, Laia! This is Joga Bonito. Joga Bonito, this here is Laia, she'll be here to help you check in and we'll meet back down here in about an hour."
Laia was short but thin. She had dark fine hair that was up in a neat tight bun. She had pretty brown eyes and her smile was comforting.
When we arrived to what was to be my room, Laia swiped a key card, opened the door for me, then handed me the key card she just used. "Here, this will be your room for the duration of your stay. Should you be signed, a more permanent residence will be found for you," Laia explained.
As I entered the room, I was amazed. The living room felt bigger than my home growing up. The kitchen had its own island with food already laid out. "That's some Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato). It's a common Catalan meal," explained Laia. "I'll leave you to it, but we'll see each other again" she continued. I walked out onto the balcony where I had a beautiful view overlooking the cityscape. It felt out of a movie and I could not believe I was in it.
I went back into the kitchen to grab a quick bite. On my bed was a training kit laid out for me. I put it away in the dresser and started to get ready for bed. I was excited but nervous to start my first session tomorrow. I didn't want to waste the opportunity Jorge worked so hard to get for me. I needed this to go well so I could support my family. I prayed to god asking him for his guidance and support. "Deus, please give me the strength to overcome any challenges I may face" I said as I was kneeling by my bedside. As I laid down in my bed, I went through all the different scenarios I'd face tomorrow until, finally, I passed out.
Catalan Glossary:
L'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample: The Old Left of the Extension
Camp de la Industria: Industrial Stadium. It is the original and current stadium of C.F. Catalunya
Ciutat Esportiva Budget Busquets: Budget Busquet Sports City
La Masia: The Farmhouse
Moltes mercès: Many thanks
Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato): Rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and salt. Absolute cornerstone of Catalan meals.
