Chương 37: David's dreams

David Jones leaned back on Jason Knight's couch, controller in hand, his focus locked on the FIFA match unfolding on the screen. Jason, sitting next to him, let out a groan as David's virtual striker buried the ball in the top corner of the net.

"Again?" Jason exclaimed, tossing his controller onto the cushion. "You're unbeatable, mate. This is getting ridiculous."

David laughed, his grin infectious. "Don't hate the player, hate the game," he quipped, leaning back triumphantly.

Jason shook his head, chuckling. "You're as annoying on the pitch as you are on this game. No wonder Rooney's always raving about you."

The two teammates spent the evening like this, bantering and laughing, the stress of matches and training temporarily forgotten. For David, moments like these grounded him. He'd always been humble, despite the mounting buzz around his name and what others say about him he has alwalys felt he was humble despite how good he really was. Jason's friendship reminded him that he was still just a teenager, navigating life and football.

The next morning, David was back at Moor Farm, Derby County's training ground. The sun peeked through the clouds as the team gathered on the pitch, stretching and warming up. Wayne Rooney, both their coach and an active player, stood at the edge of the group, observing with a keen eye.

"All right, lads," Rooney's voice rang out. "Yesterday's win was great, but we've got to stay sharp. Let's see that energy out here today."

David jogged onto the pitch, joining his teammates for drills. Despite his young age, he carried himself with confidence. Rooney often pulled him aside during training sessions, offering advice and sharing stories from his days at Manchester United.

"You've got something special, David," Rooney said during a break. "Keep working hard, and you could be playing at the highest level soon. You've got the talent to be a Premier League great, maybe even one of the all-time legends."

David nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. The praise was flattering, but his ambitions stretched far beyond the Premier League. As he continued through the session, his mind wandered.

Later that afternoon, David and Jason sat on the sidelines, hydrating and catching their breath. A couple of senior players nearby were deep in conversation, their words drifting over.

"That kid's incredible," one of them said, nodding toward David. "If he keeps this up, he'll be a Prem player in no time. Maybe even like Alan Shearer or Gerrard."

"He's got that Rooney spark," another added. "If he stays focused, he could be one of the best."

David glanced at Jason, who smirked. "Look at you, getting compared to legends already," Jason teased.

David chuckled, brushing off the attention. But deep inside, a fire burned. His teammates and coaches saw greatness in him, but they didn't see the full picture. David's aspirations weren't limited to becoming a Premier League legend. He wanted to be remembered as the greatest footballer of all time.

In his mind, he saw the likes of Pelé, Maradona, Ronaldo and Messi. He envisioned lifting the World Cup, breaking records, and inspiring generations. He didn't just want to play at the top; he wanted to redefine what it meant to be at the top.

That night, after dinner and a quiet moment to himself, David sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The day's events played in his mind, from the camaraderie with Jason to the training drills and the murmurs of praise. He clenched his fists, determination coursing through him.

"I don't just want to be a Premier League legend," he thought. "I want to be the GOAT. The best there's ever been."

He knew the road ahead would be grueling. There would be sacrifices, setbacks, and relentless scrutiny. But David welcomed the challenge. Every match, every training session, every minute spent honing his craft was a step closer to his dream.

Smiling to himself, he closed his eyes, letting sleep take over. Tomorrow was another day to chase greatness, and David Jones was ready to give it his all.