Chapter 1

Life . it is full of ups and downs . during most of the time life can be very difficult . but when you look at the bigger picture life is beautiful . the difficult times help you strengthen yourself , become a better person , gain more experience so that you can come back better than ever . some people choose to quit during these times . but that wasn't me . I was always fighting .

Since I was a young kid , I have been in love with football . I was very talented . my relatives used to tell me that I was going to be the best player in the world one day . I used to win trophies for my school . I didn't even concentrate on my studies because my future was guaranteed .

One day when I was 12 , it was the cup final .

" today is a very important day , it is the cup final lads , we have to our everything out there … today we leave in tears , I want these tears to be tears of happiness . I want you to remember this day and tell your kids about it in pride . we already won the league but we want the double . so let's go get this trophy " the coach said .

" let's go " everyone shouted .

" hey , mason , come here lad , today I want you to make me proud , we count on you , I know what you are capable of … put in your mind that scouts from big clubs are watching , this could be your first step towards achieving your dream " the coach smiled .

" I will try my best , sir " I replied .

The match begun and we played very well that day . but that match changed my life . after an hour into the game I got tackled and fell on my knee . I kept screaming and crying . the medical staff carried me to the back and my parents ran into the dressing room to check on me .

" it hurts so much , I cannot endure the pain " I cried .

" we will give you some pain killers and you will be fine " the doctor said .

" what is wrong , doc ? " my father asked .

" we will run some tests but he fell badly on his knee " the doctor replied .

At that moment I kept hoping that this injury will not keep me away from football for too long .

The reports came in and I suffered from a torn tendon in my knee . I was sad because this injury will keep me away from the football pitch for 5 months .

As soon as I left the hospital I was determined to get back to the game as fast as I could . the doctors told me I was healing fast . after four months of hard work I was finally able to get the green light to play again . the doctors warned me though that could be a risk of relapse .

I didn't care about anything . all I wanted to do is step back on the pitch and score some goals . but as I said life sometimes can be unfair . 20 minutes into the game I couldn't continue the game and got carried to the back .

As expected the doctor said " the injure relapsed again , son …. But I am afraid to tell you " .

" what , doc ? " I interrupted him .

" this a career ending injury " .

" what ? , how ? " I cried .

" the injury turned out to be more severe …. It is a complete tear in the knee cap tendon .. you have to undergo surgery , if it is successful you will be able to recover in 6 months " .

And that is my football career over . after that I was able to bounce back and focus on my studies again to secure a job for myself .