Capítulo 18: Chapter 1
It was now officially time, Akin had finally turned sixteen and was now prepared on his way to a meeting with the man who will decide his fate, Arsene Wenger.
Along with his agent Jerome he entered the restaurant he had been told he was meeting the man who could be considered part of the rise of the Premiere League.
As they were led in by the host they saw him, seated at the table with a glass of water looking at a newspaper and wearing a pair of reading glasses.
The French manager cut a dashing figure, he was seated up straight, dressed neatly in a fashionable navy suit with an apple red tie, and his aura seemed to scream scholar matching his monicker of 'The Old Professor'.
His eyes flicked up and both were caught in by his piercing hawkish glare, Akin felt his breath catch in the moment he felt the pressure from the older gentleman's focus.
However, he let out a breath as the corner of the man's hawk-like eyes crinkled up as he stood up neatly to greet them, his face seemed to soften as he smiled welcomingly hand outstretched for a shake.
As he spoke it was slowly and clearly with the heavy accent of his homeland.
"Jerome! It's nice to see you again, my friend!"
He then turned and shook Akin's hand firmly and sat down after motioning them to their seats.
"And It's nice to finally see you Akin, I have read a lot of reports about you young man.
Brady sings your praises, as does your agent Jerome.
In fact, he mentions you so often I believe that a few of your older teammates may be a little jealous."
Jerome laughed and patted Akin's back proudly.
"Let them be jealous, he is my first client after all and his talent should be quite clear to everyone by now Arsene, am I wrong?"
Wenger chuckled as he shrugged non before folding his hand in front of him and speaking solemnly.
"Indeed, young Akin has shown tremendous potential in the Youth leagues, in his time in the academy he has received many awards and has even been given the title of the strongest youth player in England.
However, let us make this clear, that was the youth league, a league for children, the premier league is not a place for boys, it is a place for men.
I heard from Jerome that you were not willing to go on loan, but my team has no shortage of talented players. So tell me what exactly is it that you wish to accomplish? If you stay without going on loan I can't guarantee you a lot of playing time."
Akin was also very serious as he knew that the manager wanted to try and convince him to go on loan.
However, he was determined to fight for his place on the team, because once he went on loan there are too many uncertainties.
"I know what you mean sir, and I understand you may be uncertain about putting me in the main squad.
I am not expecting that I will jump from the academy and immediately become the main striker for the squad.
What I hope for is a chance. If you can give me a chance to show my full abilities then I have faith that I won't disappoint you."
Arsene Wenger was an experienced manager, so he had met many talented players, in fact as he looked at he was reminded of another player he knew, Nikolas Anelka.
Anelka had been a talented striker, from the french Ligue 1, he had limited opportunities at first but after a few years was able to break into the starters in the absence of the team's top scorer.
He soon showcased his talent and took the position of the top scorer, and was one of the most talented forward's he had ever mentored, his talent was in fact not that much different from his current top star, Henry, some even argue he was better.
However, it is because of this resemblance, the older french gentleman felt pressured, because the memory of his former protegé caused him no small amount of heartache, after all, Anelka left early in his career the join the Spanish super giants Real Madrid.
Although he didn't blame him, football is also a business league, that didn't mean that Wenger was not hurt by his decision.
Now in front of him was another young man, with the same over flowing talent, the same drive, and the same self-assurance.
However, as an experienced manager, his instincts are screaming that this young man, if cultivated properly could one day shock everyone.
Charles leaned forward as he peered intently at the young man in front of him whose eyes, stared back with firm resolve.
The manager felt his lips curl up unconsciously unable to hide his inner satisfaction he leaned back.
"Very well then, I will give you a chance, if you answer one question.
If you were to join our squad. What do you think our goal for this season should be?"
While he was unsure what the older gentleman wanted to ask by asking this question, Akin still answered resolutely stating his ambition.
"This year we should be gunning for the triple crown."
Next to him he felt his agent shift, felt his gaze and heard his sharp intake of breath, while the french manger's brow also shot up, his eyes seeming to light up.
"Really? That's quite a bold statement to make young man, what makes you think we should be gunning for the triple crown, after all, it is not as simple as you make it sound."
Akin wasn't daunted and revealed his thoughts honestly.
"Yes it isn't easy, but as you said Arsenal does not lack talented players, we have many strong veteran players as while as young stars who have considerable skill.
We have been able to maintain a lot of our core strengths, many of who are in their prime like Henry, Pires, Viera, Bergkamp and Ljumberg.
As long as you can include enough young players to help bare the load for the veteran players then there is no reason why we can't do it, to be honest, this may be the teams best chance to win the triple crown."
Now Wenger was staring at him with a mysterious smile, his eyes darting between the young player and his conspicuously silent agent.
"What you said indeed makes sense but that also raises a question, after all like you said this is our best chance for the triple crown.
So why should I choose to let you, an untested academy player, rather than bring in a talented young striker that has already been tested in the senior league?"
The silent Jerome tensed as was about to speak but before he could he was cut off by a confident voice.
"Although I am young and untested I believe my talent speaks for itself, I also believe that my hard work and sweat won't go unrewarded.
Maybe you have doubts but if you give me a chance then I can promise that won't let you regret it."
The Manager was now smiling and nodded, inside he felt relieved.
This is the kind of mentality I wish all my young players had.
"Come to the club next week, we will sign your contract and see how your training goes.
I hope you never forget what you said here today young man, I have high expectations of you now, which means I am not going to go easy on you.
Now how about we let your agent speak, he has been on pins on needles since the beginning of our chat"
Then his genial smile turned to Jerome who had been noticeably quiet.
"You were right about this one Jerome, he is special I hope you guide him properly."
The Agent was finally able to relax as he smiled at the older man, the two standing to shake hands across the table.
"I think between the two of us, he has the potential to be something special Arsene."
As he sat down Jerome gave Akin a fond pat on the back and was greeted with a fond smile from the young striker.
Across from them, Wenger smiled warmly at the pair, pleased with how the meeting went.
"Well then since all that has been dealt with it would be poor form to have invited you here and let you leave without tasting the food here, why don't we order?"
The group ordered and enjoyed their lunch in a light mood, each happy with the result of their meeting.
Akin could barely contain his excitement as he ate, his foot was now in the door.
Finally, I'm almost there.
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