Chapter 2: The Beginning Part 2

"Pardon me?" Adrian said as it seemed too good to be true.

"Yes, I'm offering you a chance. Not as an academy player, but as a 1st team player." The man said once more, reassuring him that he was not joking around. 

"B-But why? I mean, you could've chosen much better and experienced players….. So why me?" The young man said as he refused to believe that it was true.

"Well, since I could sense you have been released from the academy. I took this as an opportunity to snatch you on a free transfer. Considering the injury crisis that Accrington is facing as of this moment, we need the team depth and the numbers."

This made Adrian think about the offer seriously. At the moment he needed a team, but it would take a 3 hour bus ride from Leicester to Accrington. Which he doesn't think his parents would be able to bring him, after all they too have jobs.

"Um…. As for transp-"

"We will be accommodating you, our facilities have a staff room in which you could sleep temporarily until you find a place to live in." 

The man's words took Adrian by surprise, he didn't expect him to be doing so much for him.

"Of course if you don't want to there's no problem with t-"

"I'll take it. It's such a big opportunity that I don't think I can pass it." He said with a big smile.

"That's good to hear, boy. Your contract will be finished tomorrow, as for now let's share contact info. I'll call you tomorrow morning as to when you need to go." He exclaimed as he offered his hand to shake. 

"Thank you sir!' Adrian said, shaking the man's hand."

Soon after this they exchanged contact information and went their ways. As soon as Adrian arrived home, he immediately told his parents about the offer. They were hesitant at first, even angry that he didn't consult them beforehand. But calmed down as they were proud of their son for landing a spot in a professional team. 

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The next day he got a call from Earl to meet at the Accrington Stanley FC stadium. So that they could make the signing official. With permission from his parents he packed his things. Which included a month's worth of clothes, money, a few necessities, shoes and two pairs of football cleats. Following this, his parents took a leave and brought him to the stadium. He wore formal clothes as he wanted to leave a good first impression on his new boss and manager.

There they were all shocked as there were a few fans and a local news station team awaiting his arrival. As he got out of the car the cameras faced him, and so did the fans. They all gathered around him but were stopped from getting to close by a few security personnel. 

Right after that they escorted him inside the stadium where he met Earl with two other men. 

"Ah, great to see you boy. This is Micheal, he will be your manager. The man to his left is the owner of the club, James Rashford." Earl said as he introduced Adrian to the two men.

"Nice to meet you, good sirs." Adrian said as he shook the hands of the two.

"Alright, can you call your parents so that they can sign the contract? Since you are still a minor and you cannot sign a contract just yet, they will be the ones to sign it."

Adrian called his parents as they entered a room which showed the logo and banner of Accrington Stanley inside. 

"So the contract we offer is as follows; you will be guaranteed as a rotation player for the club with a salary of 300 Pounds a week will be your salary, followed by this you will be receiving a 3,000 Pound signing bonus. You will also have a release clause which will be 800,000 Pounds. The contract expires two years from now. I'm certain we have no complaints?" The owner, James said as he handed Adrian the papers and pen.

"No we don't, I would gladly accept your offer." He said while smiling, this was a dream come true for him.

Adrian's parents agreed as well as they signed the contract. 

"This is great news. Now Adrian follow me, we will let you pick your jersey number and the photographers will be taking pictures of you. After this you should wait for a while for we will be readying your medical tests. Meanwhile ma'am, sir, you could wait in the room just beside this. We have snacks and coffee if you want something to eat or drink."

He did as said, choosing the number 29 as this was the number he always wore. He then posed for a few shots. Although he was disappointed that there was no press conference, he had to accept that this was not a top flight league.

After this they proceeded with his medical, which included a 10 minute intense run, a few plyometric drills and then a 20 minutes stationary bike ride. After successfully completing the exam, they showed him and his parents around the stadium. Which contained the weight room, the canteen for players and staff, the entertainment room and many more. He was also told that the training grounds and facilities were just beside the stadium.

After all was finished, it was nighttime and he shared a heartfelt hug with his parents since he will be living by himself for two years. Following this he was escorted to the room he would be sleeping in, it was near the canteen and outside were the training fields of the team. It was a small room which consisted of a table, a closet and a small one person bed.

"So we will leave you be, you can explore the facilities if you wish. Dinner will be at 7 in the evening. Tomorrow you will start training with the other members of the team. In about 4 days there will be a game again against Forest Green FC, so get ready for that. Got it boy?" Earl asked as he was just about to leave.

"Yes sir." He immediately replied.

"Alright, good luck. Sleep early since you need it."

Bidding farewell he sat down on his bed and opened his instagram. There were numerous mentions of him, from the club's social media account, his friends and his family. But what caught his attention was from the club's social media account. It showed him in EA FC 24. 

This made him very happy and surprised.

'What! OH MY LORD! I'm in FIFA now!? HAHAHAHAHA, Mark and Tom will be so jealoussss!" 

He checked his rating and it showed:

Name: Adrian Klaesson

OVR: 63

Position: CM

Pace: 66

Shooting: 55

Passing: 64

Dribbling: 67

Defense: 60

Physical: 70

"DAMN! I'm really in FIFA!!!"