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As their car approached the hotel, Francesco took one last look at the city of Munich through the window. The past few days had been a whirlwind of business, sponsorships, and new experiences, but at the end of it all, he was still the same footballer with the same hunger to succeed.
As the black BMW i7 pulled up to the entrance of their hotel in Munich, Francesco stretched slightly, feeling the weight of the day settling in. It had been a long but rewarding experience, and now, with his new BMW X5 xDrive40e being arranged for shipment to London, he could finally relax—at least for a little while.
Jorge Mendes stepped out first, making his way to the reception desk to handle the check-in. Meanwhile, Francesco and Leah lingered near the lobby, taking in the elegant surroundings. The hotel was one of Munich's finest, with towering glass windows, polished marble floors, and a sophisticated ambiance that screamed luxury.
Leah glanced at him with a smirk. "Not a bad place for a pit stop."
Francesco chuckled. "Yeah, could definitely get used to this kind of travel."
A few moments later, Jorge returned, holding out the key cards. "All sorted. They've got us in the presidential suite."
Leah whistled playfully. "Presidential suite? Fancy."
Jorge smirked. "You're a global football star now, Francesco. Might as well live like one."
Shortly after, a hotel staff member approached, a polite smile on his face. "Please follow me. I will take you to your suite."
They stepped into the elevator, the hotel staff pressing the button for the top floor. As the elevator ascended, Francesco leaned back, taking a deep breath. Despite all the excitement, he was starting to feel the exhaustion creeping in.
When the elevator doors slid open, they were led down a lavish hallway before arriving at a pair of double doors. The hotel staff opened them, revealing an enormous suite that looked more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of Munich's skyline, while the interior boasted modern furniture, a large living area, a dining table, and a separate bedroom with an oversized bed that looked ridiculously inviting.
Francesco let out a low whistle. "Alright, I'll admit it—this is impressive."
The hotel staff handed over the keycards and gave a small bow. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call the front desk."
Francesco reached into his pocket and handed the man a generous tip. "Thanks, appreciate it."
The staff member nodded gratefully before stepping out, leaving them alone in their lavish surroundings.
Leah immediately flopped onto the plush sofa in the living room, stretching out lazily. "This might be the best part of these sponsorship trips—fancy hotels and room service."
Francesco smirked and sat down across from her while Jorge made himself comfortable in one of the armchairs. Leah picked up the hotel's room service menu and began scanning through it. "Alright, what are we feeling? I'm starving."
Francesco leaned back, exhaling. "Surprise me. Just make sure there's pasta in there somewhere."
Leah rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course, Mr. Footballer. Carbs are a must." She placed the order over the phone, then turned her attention back to Francesco and Jorge.
Francesco looked over at his agent. "So, what's next after this?"
Jorge checked his phone briefly before looking up. "Tomorrow, we fly to Milan. Armani HQ. You've got a photoshoot scheduled there—it's the last one on this sponsorship run. Once we wrap that up, you're free to head back to London."
Francesco nodded. "Milan, huh? At least we're ending this trip on a high note."
Leah raised an eyebrow. "Armani? So, first BMW, now high-end fashion? You're really stepping into that superstar lifestyle."
Francesco smirked. "Hey, if they want me in designer suits, who am I to say no?"
Jorge chuckled. "It's all part of the process. These deals don't just happen because you're a good footballer. They happen because you've got the personality, the appeal, and the discipline to maintain your image. You're building something bigger than just a football career, Francesco."
Francesco ran a hand through his hair, considering that. He had always known that football was his main passion, but the more he got involved in these sponsorships, the more he understood the importance of building a lasting legacy—something that would extend beyond his playing days.
Leah nudged him with a smirk. "Just don't forget, your main job is still scoring goals. I'd hate to see you more focused on posing in suits than putting the ball in the net."
Francesco laughed. "Trust me, that's not happening. Football comes first. Always."
Jorge nodded approvingly. "Good. Because as much as these deals are great, they all exist because of what you do on the pitch. Keep delivering there, and everything else will follow."
Just then, a knock on the door signaled the arrival of their room service. Leah hopped up to get it, while Francesco leaned back into the sofa, feeling a sense of contentment.
Leah opened the door, and a neatly dressed hotel staff member stood there with a polished silver cart laden with food. His posture was professional, his expression neutral but polite.
"Good evening, Miss. May I come in?"
Leah stepped aside with a small smile. "Yeah, of course."
The staff member nodded in gratitude before carefully pushing the cart into the suite. The scent of freshly prepared food filled the room instantly, making Francesco's stomach grumble in anticipation. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until now.
The staff member moved efficiently, laying out the dishes on the dining table with practiced precision. Plates of pasta, grilled chicken, a fresh salad, and a few other small dishes were neatly arranged, along with a basket of warm bread and a bottle of sparkling water.
"Everything is as requested," the staff member said with a small bow. "If you need anything else, please do not hesitate to call room service."
Francesco reached into his pocket and handed him a tip. "Thanks, man. Appreciate it."
The staff member accepted the tip with a nod, then excused himself, leaving the three of them alone with their meal.
Leah clapped her hands together as she sat down. "Alright, let's eat before this gets cold."
Francesco took a seat, reaching for the pasta first. It was a simple yet perfect dish—spaghetti with a rich tomato sauce and a generous helping of parmesan on top. Exactly what he needed after such a long day.
Jorge served himself some grilled chicken, cutting into it while checking his phone with his free hand. "I just confirmed our flight to Milan. We leave tomorrow morning at nine."
Francesco nodded, swallowing a bite before speaking. "Straight to the Armani HQ?"
"Yeah," Jorge confirmed. "They've got everything set up—styling, fittings, the shoot. It shouldn't take more than a few hours. After that, you're free to fly back to London."
Leah sipped her sparkling water, looking at Francesco. "You've really famous now huh? First cars, now designer suits. What's next, your own brand?"
Francesco chuckled, twirling his fork in his pasta. "One step at a time. Right now, I'm just enjoying the ride."
Jorge, always the businessman, leaned forward. "Actually, that's something we should start thinking about. Branding. You're already getting a lot of attention—not just for your football, but for your personality, your style, your work ethic. That's what brands want to invest in."
Francesco wiped his mouth with a napkin, considering that. "So what are you saying? That I should start thinking beyond football?"
"Not beyond," Jorge corrected. "Alongside it. Look at Cristiano. Look at Beckham. They built brands while still being at the top of their game. By the time they retired, they weren't just former footballers. They were global icons."
Leah raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying Francesco should start selling cologne and underwear now?"
Jorge laughed. "Not exactly. But these sponsorships? They're just the beginning. If we play this right, Francesco's name could mean something even beyond football."
Francesco leaned back, thinking. He'd always dreamed of making it big in football, but this? This was something else. A legacy beyond the game.
"I get what you're saying," he said finally. "And yeah, it sounds great. But right now, my focus is still on winning trophies. If the branding stuff comes naturally, cool. But I'm not about to turn into a walking advertisement."
Jorge nodded approvingly. "Good. That's exactly the mindset you need. Football first, always. Everything else follows."
Leah grinned. "Well, just don't forget us normal people when you're too busy being a superstar."
Francesco smirked. "You? Forgetting you would be impossible."
Leah rolled her eyes but smiled, picking at her salad. The conversation shifted to lighter topics—their favorite places in Europe, the best cities for food, the worst travel experiences they'd had. The mood was relaxed, the exhaustion of the day settling in but not overpowering the enjoyment of a good meal.
By the time they finished eating, Francesco felt the weight of fatigue settling in. He stretched, letting out a small yawn. "Alright, I think I'm calling it a night. Early flight tomorrow."
Leah stood, gathering the plates into a neat stack. "Same here. Plus, I need my beauty sleep if I'm going to be hanging around Armani models tomorrow."
Jorge smirked. "Don't worry, Leah. You'll fit right in."
Leah rolled her eyes, but there was a small, pleased smile on her face as she headed toward her room. "Goodnight, boys."
Francesco stood, stretching one last time. He clapped Jorge on the shoulder. "See you in the morning."
Jorge nodded, still checking his phone. "Sleep well. Tomorrow's another big day."
Francesco stepped into his room, shutting the door behind him. He kicked off his shoes, unbuttoned his shirt, and let himself sink into the ridiculously comfortable bed.
The next morning, the soft chime of his phone alarm stirred Francesco from a deep sleep. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim morning light filtering through the curtains of his suite. For a brief moment, he just lay there, enjoying the rare feeling of waking up without immediate stress. But reality soon kicked in—another day, another city, another commitment. Milan awaited.
He pushed himself up, stretching his arms above his head before swinging his legs over the side of the bed. His muscles were still a bit sore from training earlier in the week, but nothing he wasn't used to. A hot shower would take care of that.
Francesco grabbed his phone and checked the time. 7:00 AM. Enough time to get ready and have a quick breakfast before heading to the airport.
He padded across the plush carpet to the bathroom, turning on the shower and stepping in as the steam began to fill the space. The hot water washed away the last remnants of sleep, and as he stood there, he mentally ran through the day's schedule. Flight to Milan. Armani HQ. Photoshoot. And then, finally, back to London. It had been a long trip, but a productive one.
By the time he stepped out, towel wrapped around his waist, he could hear faint movement from the other rooms. Seemed like Leah and Jorge were up, too.
After drying off, he got dressed—opting for a fitted black sweater, dark jeans, and white sneakers. Something simple but stylish. He grabbed his watch from the nightstand, slipping it on before running a hand through his still-damp hair. A final glance in the mirror confirmed he was good to go.
When he stepped out into the suite's common area, Leah was already there, scrolling through her phone. She looked effortlessly put together, wearing a beige coat over a white top and dark jeans, her hair tied in a sleek ponytail. She glanced up when she saw him.
"Well, look at you, Mr. Fashionable," she teased, slipping her phone into her bag.
Francesco smirked. "I gotta at least try to look presentable if I'm meeting Armani."
Jorge emerged from his room at that moment, adjusting the cuffs of his blazer. "Good, you're both ready. Let's head down, check out, and get to the airport."
They grabbed their bags, leaving the lavish suite behind as they took the elevator down to the lobby. The hotel staff was already prepared for their departure, and check-out was smooth. Within minutes, they were sliding into the sleek black car waiting for them outside, heading straight to the airport.
The drive was quiet, each of them lost in their own thoughts as they watched the city of Munich pass by. Francesco, as much as he enjoyed traveling, was starting to feel the weight of constant movement. He was looking forward to being back in London, even if it was only for a short while before the next set of matches and commitments took over his schedule again.
At the airport, everything went smoothly. Jorge had taken care of all the details, so all they had to do was go through security and board the flight. Business class seats made the journey comfortable, and Francesco used the time to get some much-needed rest.
When they landed in Milan, it was mid-morning, and the moment they stepped off the plane, they were greeted by a well-dressed Armani representative.
"Mr. Lee, welcome to Milan," the man said with a polite smile, extending a hand. "I'm Marco, from Armani's team. We've arranged transportation to the headquarters. Everything is set up for your visit."
Francesco shook his hand firmly. "Appreciate it, Marco. Looking forward to it."
Leah and Jorge exchanged greetings with Marco as well before they followed him through the airport. Outside, a sleek black Maserati SUV was waiting for them.
Francesco raised an eyebrow as they slid into the luxurious vehicle. "Alright, I'm starting to see the appeal of these sponsorship deals."
Leah laughed. "Took you long enough."
The ride through Milan was smooth, the streets buzzing with life as they made their way to the Armani headquarters. The city had a different energy compared to Munich—warmer, more vibrant. It felt like a place where fashion and culture thrived effortlessly.
As they pulled up to the Armani building, Francesco couldn't help but be impressed. The sleek architecture, the understated elegance—it was exactly what he expected from one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world.
Marco led them inside, where a team was already waiting. The next few hours were a blur of fittings, photoshoots, and styling sessions. Francesco was used to cameras by now, but this was a different kind of experience. Instead of a football jersey and boots, he was dressed in meticulously tailored suits, standing in front of high-end cameras that captured every detail of his look.
Leah watched from the sidelines, occasionally throwing in a teasing comment. "You clean up well, Francesco. Maybe football isn't your only calling."
He smirked, adjusting the cuffs of his blazer between shots. "Nah, I think I'll stick to scoring goals. But if Armani wants me in a few more campaigns, I won't say no."
Jorge, always thinking business, nodded approvingly. "That's the right attitude. These are the kinds of deals that set you up for life."
By the time they wrapped up, it was late afternoon. The Armani team thanked them for their time, and Marco personally escorted them back to their car.
"You did great today, Mr. Lee," Marco said as they prepared to leave. "Armani is very pleased. I wouldn't be surprised if they want to work with you again in the future."
Francesco nodded. "I'd be happy to. Thanks for taking care of everything."
As they drove back to the airport, Leah sighed, stretching in her seat. "Alright, that was fun. But I am so ready to get home."
Francesco exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Same. Milan was great, but London's calling."
Jorge glanced at his watch. "We've got about an hour before our flight. Enough time to grab a quick bite at the lounge."
They made their way through the airport, checking in and heading to the VIP lounge. The atmosphere was quieter, more relaxed. Francesco grabbed a plate of food, keeping it light since he wasn't a fan of eating too much before flights.
Leah sat across from him, sipping a coffee. "So, what's next for you when we get back?"
"Back to training," he said. "We've got league matches coming up, and I need to be sharp."
Jorge nodded. "Good. That's the focus. Everything else is secondary."
Francesco smirked. "Yeah, yeah. Football first. I hear you."
Leah chuckled. "It's cute how Jorge keeps repeating it like you don't already live by that rule."
Jorge rolled his eyes. "It's my job to make sure he stays grounded."
Before long, their flight was ready for boarding. They made their way onto the plane, settling into their seats for the journey back to London.
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Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 16 (2014)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal First Team
Championship History : None
Match Played: 28
Goal: 33
Assist: 12
MOTM: 8