In a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina. There live a happy family consists of four persons. One of the family members is Gaston Castanoo. He...
In a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina. There live a happy family consists of four persons. One of the family members is Gaston Castanoo. He is eighteen years old teenager. He likes to play football as many Argentineans in his age does. Little Gaston used to play football with his friends around his house on the hard asphalt field. He has a dream that one day he could be a famous rich football player like Diego Armando Maradonna, his idol. Who does not know Maradonna? Everyone wants to be like him, right?
He has a best friend, named Lionel Messi. Along with Lionel, he dreams about playing in Europe someday. They always play together whether or not they are in school. Gaston’s house is side by side with Lionel. So, they meet everyday. They play football together, if Lionel is a killer striker then Gaston is his assistant to score a goal. As if they are a twin that understands each other.
Last year, they have won three trophies when they brought their school become the first winner in annual high-school football competition. Lionel became the top scorer and Gaston took second place. Together they won a trophy as “The best player of the tournament and the best striker”. This year, they can not take part because of age problem. They are a year older than it should be.
Both, Gaston and Lionel have a dream. It is to play in Europe and become a world’s famous footballer someday. But, they still have no idea how to realize it. On their minds, it is all hard and nearly impossible to bring it into reality.
They have been working hard during all this time. Having taken many selections in local amateur clubs in Buenos Aires, but none of those clubs were able to vouch for their future. Because, they can not pay their players.
۩
One day, after school. Gaston met an old man with a neat outfit…
The old man known as Mr. Granerro. He is a talent-scout from Inter Milan football club, Italy. He is looking for a young talented player that will be tested to be Inter player for next season. He came all the way up to Argentina because he knows that this country always produce many genius footballers. He has heard about Gaston and Lionel. That is one of the reasons why he comes to Argentina. He is interested in their reputation.
He comes to Gaston and start a conversation.
Mr. Granerro: “hey kid, are you Gaston Castanoo?”
Gaston: “yup, it’s me. Who are you? Why are you asking my name?”
Mr. Granerro: “let me introduce myself first. I’m Stefano Granerro, you may call me
Mr. Granerro. I’m a talent-scout from Italy.”
Gaston: “okee, so?”
Mr. Granerro: “I came all the way up to Argentina because I’m looking for talented young player that will be tested to be Inter player for next season.”
Gaston: “woooww… for real?”
Mr. Granerro: “I don’t come here for kidding kid.”
Gaston: “well, it’s just unbelievable. There’s a talent-scout from a club that I adore all this time. That’s just great.”
Mr. Granerro: “ok, all you have to do to become Inter player is just come to La Bombonera stadium tomorrow. There will be a test. I want you to come along with Lionel. See you there.”
Gaston: “ok I’ll be there with him, see ya.”
After a short conversation, Gaston immediately comes to Lionel’s house to tell him about what just happened.
As he gets there, he sees his friend is doing homework.
Gaston: “hey Lionel, I just met an old man just a few hours ago. He is talent-scout. He can bring us to Italy. He saw what we did last year when we won the first winner at annual high-school football competition.” Gaston talks in a rush.
Lionel: “what are you talking about? Relax, take a deep breath. Speak slowly.”
Gaston: “ok listen carefully; I just met an old man a few hours ago. He is a talent-scout from Italy. He saw what we did last year when we won the first winner at annual high-school football competition. He can bring us to Italy!”
Lionel: “hah? Really? What should we do?”
Gaston: “yeah, he will have a test tomorrow at La Bombonera stadium. There will be another talented player from all over South America. He wants us to take part. This is our chance dude.”
Lionel: “wow, it’s a damn good news dude. All right then, let’s we show him our best. We’re not gonna miss this opportunity.”
Gaston: “well, I’ll pick you at 3 PM.”
Lionel: “all right. I can’t wait for that day.”
۩
As Gaston comes home…
Gaston: “Mom, I have good news!”
Gaston’s mother: “no surprise, you’ve always have good news after school. What is it anyway?
Gaston: “someone wants to make my dream come true”
Gaston’s mother: “hah?? What are you talking about?”
Gaston: “yeah, you know what? There was an old man, he’s a talent-scout that I’ve met after school, and he’s looking for a talented young player that will be signed in at one of European team. He said it was Inter Milan, a team with a high reputation in Italy and Europe. He will have a test for it tomorrow. He wants me and Lionel to take part in this test on Sunday.” Gaston explains.
Gaston’s mother: “wow, that is really surprising me. This is your chance to make your dream comes true son. You should take a rest for preparing that.”
Gaston: “yeah mom, I and Lionel are so excited. Wish me luck mom.”
Gaston’s mother: “of course, I wish you all the best. Now go to bed. You have to prepare it well.”
Gaston: “ok thank you mom, good night.”
Gaston’s mother: “night.”
Gaston sleeps really tight. In his sleep, he meets his idol. It is Diego Armando Maradonna. He talks to Gaston and gives him an advice.
Maradonna: “Gaston, you’ve got a great skill, I think you’ll be a great famous football player in the future as I am”. Maradonna encourages him.
Gaston: “oh my god, really? Yeah I wish I could be just like you In the future.”
Maradonna: “No, you can even be better than me kid, just do your best then the world is yours.”
Gaston: “thank you so much for your advice sir. I’ll always remember that.”
Gaston’s awake, he still does not believe what just happened in his sleep.
“Wow! I can’t believe it, maradonna just encouraged me. That’s amazing!” Gaston amazed.
It has been 6 o’clock in the morning and today is going to be the day that the talent-scout wants to see his performance along with Lionel.
He picks up his cell phone then texts a message to Lionel.
“Morning dude, are you already awake? Get ready! Let’s we show him our best. Don’t forget to bring my shoe you borrowed last week. Can’t wait for it.”
Gaston freshens up, so does Lionel.
He eats breakfast with his family. All of family member gathers to have a breakfast together. He has not told yet about the test to his father.
Then, he tells about it. Including his dream which just he had last night.
Gaston: “you know, I just met maradonna.”
Gaston’s dad: “are you dreaming?? Hey, wake up! No way is that possible. How did he get here?
Gaston’s brother: “he is getting crazy everyday dad, no wonder if he speaks illogic.”
Gaston: “I was dreaming, but it was a beautiful dream dad. Maradonna came to see me in my sleep and we had a conversation, then he advised and encouraged me.”
Gaston’s brother: “well, that’s funny. Hahaha.”
Gaston’s dad: “stop laughing! Ok, so?? That’s all?”
Gaston: “It’s not all. He said that I would be a great famous football player like him in the future, just give the best of me.”
Gaston’s mom: “He met a talent-scout yesterday. He said he came from Italy. He’ll have a test to be Inter player this afternoon at La Bombonera stadium. That’s why he’s so excited this morning.”
Gaston’s dad: “wow… it’s good to hear it. Do your best my son. I know you can do it.”
Gaston: “yeah, Maradonna also said the same way too dad. He said that I just had to do my best then the world is mine.”
Gaston’s brother: “Whatever.”
Gaston’s dad: “that’s true, if we want to make it, just do our best. Keep it up son. Good luck. Anyway, I got to go now. Bye all.”
Gaston: “yeah, thanks dad.”
Gaston’s mom: “bye honey, be careful.”
Gaston’s dad goes to work.
Meanwhile, in Lionel’s house…
Lionel is preparing for his equipments.
Suddenly, something happens. His shoe is gone. He’s freaking out.
“Oh my goodness. Where the hell is my shoe?” Lionel mumbles.
He asks his mother.
Lionel: “mom, do you see my shoe? I lost it.”
Lionel’s mom: “I washed your shoe honey.” Lionel: “what?? You washed it? Oh mom I need that shoe now!”
Lionel’s mom: “well, it’s still wet. You still can use it though”.
Lionel: “arrhgghh… all right!!”
۩
It has come. It is the time. They go to La Bombonera stadium together. It is little bit hard to get there, because they use public transportation and the traffic is so crowded.
After struggling hard to get trough that crowded traffic in Buenos Aires, they finally get there.
They have found many teenagers in their age there. They come from all over Argentina to take part in this test. Most of them are from football school in their city. Not for Gaston and Lionel, they do not join any football school in Buenos Aires. It is a gift from god, so they have a great talent.
They have to meet Mr. Granerro immediately for signing in.
“Ah there you are why you come late? I’ve been waiting for you for an hour, I thought you didn’t come.” Mr. Granerro complains.
“I’m really sorry sir for coming late, we caught in traffic jam.” Gaston replies.
“Yeah, it was getting bad everyday.” Lionel adds.
“Ok no problem, but first you have to complete this form for signing in.” Mr. Granerro gives a form.
After few minutes completing form and chit chatting, they are preparing to begin the test.
Gaston and Lionel start warming up, running, kicking, dribbling the ball.
They impress Mr. Granerro who watches from distance.
“Wow, that’s amazing! The way they kick the ball, they way they get past another player. That is just awesome. Reminds me to Maradonna. This is what I’m looking for. Young talented striker!” He impresses.
After he feels enough to see all their excellent skill…
“Hey Lionel, Gaston! Come here.” He calls both, Gaston and Lionel.
Mr. Granerro: “you were doing great kids; you impressed me with your excellent skills.”
Gaston: “Thank you sir. So, what is it going to be? Are we qualified for the test?”
Mr. Granerro: “Absolutely, player with ability like both of you is hard to find nowadays. So, for the final test you will be gathered with all talented players from South America, such as: Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, etc. Then we will pick up five players for another test in Europe. I hope you can trough all that.”
Lionel: “All right then, we will prepare our best for the final test.” Lionel added.
Mr. Granerro: “Great spirit kids, keep it up. I’ll see you next Sunday, still in the same place and the same time.”
Gaston: “yes sir, I’ll be waiting for it.”
Gaston and Lionel are really satisfied with the result they had. Their smile grows wider.
They are really confident to face the final test.
On their way home.
Lionel: “hey, you know what? My shoe is still wet. My mom washed it. It’s not comforting at all.”
Gaston: “Never mind, the most important thing is we qualified for the next test. I feel like my dream will really come true, I wish.”
Lionel: “yeah, me too.”
They smile over and over again while they are on their way to their own house.
۩
This is their first experience to take part in that kind of selection. They did not expect that they will get through this smoothly and easily. It is just a step ahead to play in Europe. All hopes and prays will be granted. Their dreams to play in one of big teams in Europe will become true through that selection.
Their way to make it true is still long long way to go. There is another one test for them to pass. The tough one. This time they must struggle against all talented players from South America. Especially Brazil, a country with five world cup title. They are the most wanted country for talent-scout in Europe to find a new rising star in the future. Almost all countries in the world have Brazilian player in the club.
In this last test, there will be only five best player qualify to go straight-away to Italy, do medical check up. Then, if they qualify the whole test. They will be signed up directly to be Inter Milan football club player for next season and start training with the team in Appiano Gentile, Inter’s training camp.
Gaston and Lionel wait the day to come. The day when everything seems bright. When all best players from all over South America gather to take part.
Day by day fleeting fast.
They can not wait to be there. They keep their condition by rehearsing everyday with their friends in the neighborhood. Their friends also support them to make it true.
A day before the final selection...
Gaston sends a message to Lionel.
“I really can’t wait for this dude. Let’s make a history, just a step to go to make it. Don’t forget to pray. May god be with us.”
Lionel replies
“Yeah, may god be with us. I can’t wait too. Take a vitamin if required.”
It is eight pm. They sleep early because they must be in good condition tomorrow.
۩
They wake up early in the morning to prepare anything. Because, this is it. It is show time. They must get there on time if they do not want to be disqualified.
Gaston asks his family to go with him. So, does Lionel. They take a taxi to get there.
As they’ve got to La Bombonera stadium, in the middle city of Buenos Aires. They impress with people that come that day.
Gaston’s dad: “such an atmosphere, amazing!”
Gaston: “yeah dad, they come from all over south America. Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador, etc.
“Wow, unbelievable.” Gaston’s dad astounds.
They all get into the stadium. Inside the stadium were about five thousand people to watch this final selection.
Gaston and Lionel come in haste to Mr. Granerro asking for a form to fulfill.
Mr. Granerro: “aaah, it’s good to see you again. How was everything?”
Lionel: “everything was wonderful sir.”
Mr. Granerro: “great, here we go the form you’ve to fill. Make it quick kids. Get on your shoes. The test will be started right away.”
Gaston and Lionel: “ok.”
After they are finished with the form, they get ready for it.
Gaston: “here we go lio. It’s all started here. Let’s do our best.”
Lionel: “yeah, it’s show time dude!”
They come out of the dressing room. They’ve found the best twenty five players that come from all over South America.
۩
“Hay.” Someone says greeting.
“Hay, I’m Gaston from Argentina. What’s your name?” Gaston replies his greeting
It is Marco who was greeting them, a Brazilian.
“I’m Marco from brazil. Nice to see you.” He answers.
“Owh Marco, nice to see you too.” Gaston replies one more time.
After that short introduction. The selection begins.
The selection is started by warming up.
Those thirty players divided into two groups, each group consists of fifteen players. Then, they will play ninety minutes normal game.
Shortly, after the time is up. All players gathered by Mr. Granerro in dressing room. He wants to give important information.
Mr. Granerro: “oke listen carefully. I’ve got something important for you. I’ve watched your performances. As I told you before that there are only five players we’ll take to Italy. Without wasting time I will inform right here, right now. I’ve already picked up five names here. They areeeee…Marco Rosandrio Santos from Brazil, Gabriel Sanchez from Paraguay, Gaston Castanoo and Lionel Messi from Argentina and the last but not least is David Juan Pablo from Uruguay. Congratulations for those who get through this selection, you’ll be informed further about everything next week. I’ll visit your house one by one. Now, you can go home and for those who don’t, don’t be pessimistic. You are all a talented player. I believe that one day you’ll be a great player.
Ok, I think that’s all. Thank you very much for your participation. Good bye and good night.”
Gaston and Lionel are glorious happy so that they cry hot tears. Finally, their dream comes true that night.
They really did not expect that much to make it thru smoothly and very easy, without any obstacle. Gaston’s family comes home with smile on their face, so does Lionel’s family. They can not stop saying grateful to god about what just had been accomplished by their children.
Furthermore, Mr. Granerro will visit those who passed the selection to their own house one by one and tell everything it takes to go to Italy, a week after this day.
He is still in Argentina. So, he comes to Gaston’s house first be. As he got there, Gaston’s family welcoming him warmly. Lionel’s family is there too for the same reason.
“Congratulations Gaston, lio. You played really great last week so that I decided to pick you.” Mr. Granerro says.
“It was really unsuspecting sir.” Lio replies.
‘Yeah, we thank you very much to you for this sir.” Gaston adds.
“Ah don’t mention it. You deserve it.” Mr. Granerro replies.
“And I can’t wait to come here again next year. Because, there are so many talented players here and I have already noticed another good player too. Anyway, what about that? The terms and condition written there. Do you agree with it?” He adds.
Mr. Granerro explained away without platitude about how rules and policy required doing a medical check up in Italy.
“Yup, we agree with the whole terms and condition; rules and policy you’ve mentioned. So, when are we gonna get there?” Gaston asks impatiently.
“Right away, after you are finished with your visa, passport, etc. I’ll take you with me to Italy.” Mr. Granerro answers.
They have a long conversation till late. Exhausted of answering questions, Mr. Granerro permits to go home.
Gaston: “Lio, pinch me!”
Lionel: “what? What do you mean?”
Gaston: “yeah, pinch me! I’m afraid I’m dreaming.”
Lionel: “no, it’s not a dream. It’s real. We did it dude. We go to Italy.”
Gaston: “it’s hard to believe all of this. Our dreams and prays are granted in the end.”
Lionel: “I can’t believe it too. We did it without any obstacle. I’m death on this.”
They can not stop smiling. Smile that means so much. Smile that comes from deep inside their heart. Smile that brings their dreams into reality.
Four weeks later, Gaston and Lionel finally fly away to Italy to join with the team and do a medical check up. They feel happy and sad at the same time. They are happy because they will play in Italy. And also, they have to leave their family and their friends for a long long time to occupy there at least a year or after 2009/2010 season fully completed in Italy.
Europe considered as the most competitive and the most prestigious continent in case of football. Everybody from all over the world wants to play there. It is hard to play in a prestigious team, which is only the chosen and lucky player will get that rare opportunity, especially in Italy.
For both, Gaston and Lionel. This is just the beginning of being a superstar. They will compete with local great players of Italy and also fight with other skillful talented players from all over the world to reach good reputation, not to suffer the indignity of a reaction. So, the fans will accept them well.
