Chương 28: Aftermath

The room was buzzing with the kind of energy only a big win could produce. Cameras flashed, reporters jostled for position, and the air was thick with anticipation. Wayne Rooney walked into the press conference with Martyn Waghorn and David Jones flanking him, both players still riding high from their stunning performances.

Wayne took his seat in the center, with Martyn and David settling on either side. The questions came fast.

Reporter 1: "Martyn, incredible goal today. Can you tell us about that moment?"

Martyn grinned, glancing at David. "Honestly, it was all him. The run, the vision—he made my job easy. All I had to do was tap it in. Playing with David? It's like having a cheat code on the pitch. You've all seen him play. Does any other sixteen-year-old play like that?"

David gave a modest nod, but his lips curled into a small smile at the praise.

Reporter 2: "Wayne, your goal was sensational. What's it like, balancing being a player and a coach? And what inspired you to take that shot from so far out?"

Wayne chuckled. "Sometimes, the player in me takes over. The ball came to me, I saw the space, and I just went for it. As for balancing the roles, it's all about the team. Performances like today make it easier because these lads give everything out there."

Reporter 3: "Wayne, you subbed David off in the 64th minute despite his strong showing. Can you explain the decision?"

Wayne's expression softened. "David's a phenomenal talent, but he's still young. He gave everything today, and I wanted to make sure he gets the rest he needs to keep performing at this level. It's a long season, and we'll need him fresh."

The mood in the room shifted as another reporter turned to David.

Reporter 4: "David, we did a little digging on your past. You were in the youth team at Southampton but got cut. We hear it was due to behavioral issues. Care to comment?"

A flicker of something crossed David's face, but he quickly composed himself. "I don't like talking about my past," he said evenly. "What I can say is that I'm at a real club now—a club that knows what it takes to win."

The reporters' pens scribbled furiously, their faces lighting up at the soundbite.

Wayne's expression tightened slightly, but he let the press conference wrap up without addressing it further. Once the session ended, the trio headed back to the locker room.

The mood backstage was more subdued. Wayne called David aside as the rest of the team began to filter out.

"David, you've got to be careful with the press," Wayne said, his tone firm but kind. "They're like rats. They'll twist your words, dig into things you'd rather leave buried, and do whatever it takes to get clicks. Don't give them anything they can use against you."

David nodded slowly, absorbing the wisdom in Wayne's words. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, his voice quieter now.

Wayne clapped him on the shoulder. "You're a smart kid. Just let your game do the talking. That's what matters."

David nodded again, this time with more conviction.

The locker room eventually emptied, and David made his way back to his apartment. The adrenaline of the match and the press conference was finally wearing off. He kicked off his shoes and flopped onto the couch, ready to zone out for the evening.

His phone buzzed on the table. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was his dad. Surprised, he hesitated before picking up. His dad rarely called—and usually only after his mom prompted him to.

"Hey, Dad," David said, unsure what to expect.

There was a brief pause on the other end before his father's voice came through, steady but unusually warm. "David, I just watched the game. Twice, actually. And I… I just wanted to say how proud I am of you."

David sat up straighter, caught off guard. "Thanks, Dad. That means a lot."

His father's voice wavered slightly. "I know I haven't always been the best at saying it, but I've always believed in you. Seeing you out there today, handling everything with such composure… You've grown into a fine young man."

David felt a lump rise in his throat. "Thanks, Dad. That… that really means a lot coming from you."

"I know things weren't easy for you at Southampton," his dad continued. "And I wasn't always there the way I should have been. But you've taken every challenge and turned it into fuel. You've proved everyone wrong, and you've made me so proud."

David blinked rapidly, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I couldn't have done it without you and Mom. Even when things were rough, you never gave up on me."

His father's voice softened. "We'll always be here for you, son. No matter what. Remember that."

David's grip on the phone tightened as he fought back tears. "Thanks, Dad. I… I won't let you down."

"You never have," his father said, his voice steady again. "Now, get some rest. You've got a big future ahead of you."

As the call ended, David sat in silence, his emotions swirling. The night had been full of highs and challenges, but that conversation with his dad felt like the most important moment of all. It reminded him of why he played, why he pushed himself so hard. For his family. For the belief they had in him. For the dreams they shared.

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