The Crossroads

At nine o'clock in the evening, the city of Milan was already very quiet.

Louis Dupont rode his bicycle across the cobblestone streets of old Milan, heading towards his home under the starlight.

He frowned slightly.

During this time, he felt good about his training. The coaching staff should be aware of his scoring ability on the front line. But despite this, after losing two games in a row, 0-1, Louis didn't even get a chance to play. He wasn't even making the roster!

Louis couldn't understand why. But he also had to think about his future. With only two days left in the transfer window, he wondered if he should get an agent to help him find a new club. Although Louis currently had a professional contract, Serie A regulations only allow players under the age of 16 to sign one-year contracts. His current contract had only one season left.

However, without any playing time, it was unlikely Louis would sign a long-term deal.

He parked his bicycle against the wall of the yard. In the three-story building, only the light in the living room was on. Martina heard the sound and came downstairs, feeling distressed. She took off his backpack and patted the grass clippings off his head.

"Baby, the hot water is ready. Go take a bath and get some rest."

"Thank you, Mom."

Louis opened his arms and hugged his mother. Martina watched him go upstairs, shaking her head. She knew her son was working hard for his dream.

Soaking comfortably in the bathtub, Louis began to take stock of his progress. After half a year of training, although his technique and ball control weren't what they used to be, they were no longer glaring weaknesses. His speed was gradually returning as his muscles developed, and his explosive power was slowly improving. Being 6'2 ft tall didn't mean he couldn't be fast; it was about adjusting to the change in center of gravity and step frequency.

On the football field, a ten-meter burst is more crucial than a 100-meter dash, especially for forwards. Quick acceleration and seizing positions can be the difference between success and failure.

While his basic skills and explosive power were improving, Louis knew his biggest challenges were physical fitness and game experience. Physical fitness could only be improved through training, and he didn't expect to become a stamina monster like Beckham—just fit enough. Game experience, however, could only be gained by playing matches. But it seemed Allegri wasn't seeing his potential during training.

"I'm going to talk to Coach."

Louis took a deep breath. With only two days left in the transfer window, if Allegri couldn't promise him playing time, he would have to leave.

The next morning, Allegri had just arrived at his office and hadn't even settled in when he heard a knock at the door.

"Come in!" Allegri called, sitting in his office chair.

As the door opened, Allegri saw Louis, wearing training clothes and sweating profusely.

A smile appeared on Allegri's face. "You came early to practice again, right?"

"Yes, Coach."

"You know my situation. I need to find my explosive power and regain my touch. Plus, I need to work on my fitness."

Allegri nodded. "It's good that you know your weaknesses."

"So, Louis, why did you come to see me?"

Allegri knew why Louis was there, and Louis's answer didn't surprise him. "Coach, I hope to get a chance to play. I think I'm ready."

Allegri's lips curved into a slight smile. He appreciated the straightforwardness but wasn't ready to make any promises. In his mind, Louis was there to supplement the striker lineup, not to be a regular starter. Allegri planned to gradually introduce him to the professional level—after all, he was only seventeen.

What was more, Allegri knew AC Milan's negotiations with Manchester City for Mario Balotelli were in the final stages. If Balotelli joined, the striker position would be crowded. Allegri intended to loan Louis out in the winter transfer window, seeing him as the future of AC Milan, but not the present.

Leaning back in his chair, Allegri said, "I think you're too anxious, Louis. You're only seventeen and have a lot to learn. Keep your current attitude and you will get a chance. Remember, you are the future of this team."

Louis shook his head. "Coach, I don't care about the future. I think I'm ready now to play for the team."

Allegri frowned. "Louis, I decide who plays. As the head coach, I have my own considerations."

Disappointed, Louis returned to the training ground. Allegri watched him from his office window. Most players hadn't arrived yet, but Louis was already training.

A player who works so hard deserves a chance. But Allegri wanted a more mature striker. If Louis knew that Allegri's idea of a "mature striker" was Mario Balotelli, he would probably laugh.

In AC Milan's general manager's office, Galliani had his own troubles. Manchester City demanded 20 million euros and wouldn't budge. Galliani was ready to stretch the budget to 18 million euros, but 20 million was too much.