2023-08-18, 02:32 AM - Word count:
It's only a pre-season game. But I'm lost in thoughts. Everyone else has already left the locker room - the "Umkleidekabine", as we call it in Germany - and is getting on the pitch to prepare for kick-off, and I'm the only one left behind. I'm fully dressed already, my black-and-white striped jersey with the #26 already properly tucked into my shorts, ready to go out and dominate. Only one thing is missing.
In my hands, I hold the captain's armband. I have worn it all of last season as well, and it has been an honor to wear it, to lead the team on the pitch every single game. As the only German player on my team, I feel like it's my duty to help my teammates on and off the pitch. If they fail, in a way, I have failed as well. Them, and the fans.
I have never talked about it to anyone, but wearing the captains armband filled me with a sense of pride I could have never anticipated. And I dreaded having it taken away from me. This morning, the decision had been made.
I step in front of the mirror. Our goal this year is promotion, there can be no doubt about it. The locker room is bustling with energy, the fans are thirsting for Division 1 football in the Schwarzwald. What if we fail? What will my legacy as a captain be?
I slowly pull the armband over my hand and pull it up my arm, and I check myself out in the mirror. Suddenly all the doubts are washed away. We will not fail. I will lead this team to the first division. They've put their faith in me to captain this squad for a reason, and I will not let them down. I will be the tree that leads the trees.
I take another deep breath and leave the locker room, my iron screw studded boots clanking loudly on the tiles on the way to the pitch. Time to put some fear into fools.
In my hands, I hold the captain's armband. I have worn it all of last season as well, and it has been an honor to wear it, to lead the team on the pitch every single game. As the only German player on my team, I feel like it's my duty to help my teammates on and off the pitch. If they fail, in a way, I have failed as well. Them, and the fans.
I have never talked about it to anyone, but wearing the captains armband filled me with a sense of pride I could have never anticipated. And I dreaded having it taken away from me. This morning, the decision had been made.
I step in front of the mirror. Our goal this year is promotion, there can be no doubt about it. The locker room is bustling with energy, the fans are thirsting for Division 1 football in the Schwarzwald. What if we fail? What will my legacy as a captain be?
I slowly pull the armband over my hand and pull it up my arm, and I check myself out in the mirror. Suddenly all the doubts are washed away. We will not fail. I will lead this team to the first division. They've put their faith in me to captain this squad for a reason, and I will not let them down. I will be the tree that leads the trees.
I take another deep breath and leave the locker room, my iron screw studded boots clanking loudly on the tiles on the way to the pitch. Time to put some fear into fools.
![[Image: 8BlgQNl.png]](https://i.imgur.com/8BlgQNl.png)