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The night stretched on — quiet, endless, golden with memory. Somewhere far away, the headlines were already printing his name in capital letters: LEE SIGNS MULTI-MILLION DEALS WITH GLOBAL BRANDS. RISING STAR TAKES WORLD BY STORM.
The morning light in Richmond always arrived gently, filtered through the soft curtains of the bedroom, brushing against the pale linen sheets like a whisper. Francesco woke before the alarm, as he often did. For a long moment, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling as the faint hum of the city distant and almost unreal.
Beside him, Leah slept soundly, her face half-buried in the pillow, strands of golden hair scattered across his arm. She looked peaceful, her breathing even, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at her lips. Francesco smiled faintly, brushing a lock of hair from her face, careful not to wake her.
There was something grounding in moments like this — when the noise of the world fell away, and all that remained was the quiet pulse of two hearts beating in rhythm. He leaned forward, pressed a soft kiss on her forehead, then slipped out of bed quietly.
The house was still, bathed in that early gold that only came just after sunrise. He walked barefoot across the hardwood floor, the familiar chill seeping pleasantly into his skin. Downstairs, the gym lights flicked on automatically as he stepped in — a minimalist space of glass walls, polished steel, and the scent of clean air.
He tied his laces, grabbed a towel, and stepped onto the treadmill. As the belt began to hum beneath his feet, he reached for the remote and switched on the television. Sky Sports News flickered to life, the familiar blue banner running across the bottom of the screen.
The morning anchor's voice filled the room. "In other headlines — Arsenal forward Francesco Lee continues to attract worldwide attention after signing three global sponsorship deals earlier this week with Richard Mille, Calvin Klein, and Castrol. Sources suggest the seventeen year old could now become one of the most commercially valuable players in football history."
Francesco smirked quietly, shaking his head as he picked up the pace. "They make it sound like I retired," he muttered under his breath.
On-screen, a photo of him and Leah at the Monaco shoot appeared, followed by a clip from the Calvin Klein session in New York — monochrome, his gaze serious and calm. Then, the studio cut to a discussion panel featuring pundits.
"Francesco Lee isn't just a footballer anymore," one of them said. "He's a brand. The question is, can Arsenal keep him long-term when clubs like Real Madrid and PSG are circling?"
He sighed, running harder, sweat starting to form along his temples. The machine beeped softly as his heart rate climbed.
"I'm not going anywhere," he muttered again, half to himself, half to the walls.
By the time the treadmill slowed, the sun was fully up. Richmond's garden beyond the glass glowed with life — dew on the grass, the fountain murmuring softly in the distance. He wiped his face with a towel, muscles still buzzing from the workout, and took a deep breath before heading to the kitchen.
It was his favorite time of day — the quiet hour before Leah woke up. He liked cooking for her, not because he had to, but because it grounded him. Reminded him of normality — of mornings long before fame, when breakfast meant eggs, toast, and laughter echoing through a small London flat.
He pulled open the fridge and began cracking eggs into a bowl, whisking them lazily while the pan heated. Bacon sizzled next, its aroma filling the air. A pot of coffee gurgled to life.
As the eggs began to set, his phone buzzed on the counter — a familiar international number flashing across the screen. Mendes.
He reached for it, tucking the phone between his ear and shoulder while stirring the pan. "Morning, Jorge."
"Ah, mio campione!" Mendes's voice carried its usual mix of energy and charm, even through the speaker. "Did I wake you?"
Francesco smiled faintly. "You? Never. Already worked out, cooking breakfast."
"Of course you are," Mendes laughed. "Always the disciplined one. Listen, I have some news — good news, in fact. Arsenal contacted me early this morning."
Francesco paused mid-stir, glancing toward the window. "Yeah?"
"They want to renew your contract," Mendes said smoothly. "Long-term extension. They're preparing a formal offer this week."
For a few seconds, all he could hear was the gentle crackle of the stove. The words hung in the air — familiar yet somehow different this time.
"How long?" Francesco asked quietly.
"Five years," Mendes said. "With options for a sixth. Substantial salary increase. Performance bonuses tied to both domestic and European success. From what I can tell, they're ready to make you the face of the club, officially."
Francesco leaned against the counter, phone still pressed to his ear. His eyes drifted to the living room — to the framed Arsenal shirt on the wall, the one from his debut. Number 17. Slightly faded from age, but still powerful.
"They didn't waste time," he murmured.
"Can you blame them?" Mendes chuckled. "You've just led them to win a treble and also leading England win a major trophy after 50 years. They know other clubs are watching. Real Madrid already called me twice last week. PSG once. Even Bayern reached out through intermediaries. But Arsenal want to act before any of that becomes serious."
Francesco said nothing for a moment, his mind somewhere between nostalgia and focus. He stirred the eggs absentmindedly, his reflection caught faintly in the steel of the oven door.
"Five years," he repeated softly. "Feels like a lifetime in football."
"It is," Mendes said. "But it also means legacy. You've built something there, Francesco. You've got Wenger's trust, the fans' love, the media's respect. This isn't just about contract, it's a statement."
The smell of breakfast filled the kitchen, warm and grounding. Francesco exhaled slowly. "Alright. Let's see what they put on paper first. I'm not saying yes or no yet — just… tell them I'm listening."
"Of course," Mendes said, his tone approving. "Always calm. Always measured. That's why I like you."
Francesco smiled. "No promises till I see the details, Jorge."
"Understood. I'll set up a meeting. Oh, and one more thing."
"What's that?"
"The press already caught wind of it. Sky, BBC, even The Athletic. Expect headlines within the hour."
Francesco laughed quietly. "Of course they did."
"Don't worry," Mendes added. "I'll handle it. Just enjoy your morning, sì?"
He ended the call, setting the phone down on the counter. The silence that followed was thick but peaceful — like a moment of stillness before a wave.
A few minutes later, Leah appeared in the doorway, still in one of his shirts, eyes half-open. "Something smells amazing," she murmured, stretching lightly.
He turned, smiling. "Morning. You hungry?"
"Always," she said, padding over to sit on one of the stools. "You've been up early again, haven't you?"
"Habit," he said, sliding a plate toward her. "Couldn't sleep past seven even if I tried."
She smiled sleepily, taking a bite. "Mmm… this is unfairly good. What's the occasion?"
He hesitated, then leaned on the counter. "Got a call from Mendes."
Her brow lifted. "Good or bad?"
"Good," he said. "Arsenal want to renew my contract. Long-term."
Leah's eyes widened slightly. "Already? That's… wow."
"Yeah." He paused, glancing out the window again, the morning sunlight catching his face. "I guess they want to make sure I stay."
"And do you want to?" she asked softly.
He didn't answer right away. The question lingered, not because he didn't know, but because it deserved more than a quick response.
"I love that club," he said finally. "They gave me everything from my debut, my first trophy, my first real home. But sometimes… I wonder if staying too long means not growing enough."
Leah nodded gently, understanding. "Growth doesn't always mean leaving, though. Sometimes it's about leading where you are."
He smiled faintly. "You sound like Wenger."
She laughed. "He's a smart man."
Francesco leaned closer, brushing his thumb across her hand. "I'll see what they offer first. But yeah… part of me already knows the answer."
She tilted her head. "And what's that?"
He smiled softly. "Arsenal's where my heart is. It's where I became who I am. I owe them more than a signature."
Leah's expression softened, pride shining in her eyes. "Then maybe this is where your next chapter really begins."
Outside, the garden swayed gently in the morning breeze. Somewhere, a bird sang. Francesco took a slow sip of coffee, the taste grounding him in the present.
Two days later, the air outside London Colney carried that crisp edge that only came in early autumn — cool, clean, with the faint scent of wet grass from the training pitches nearby. The morning sun hadn't yet burned through the low mist that lingered along the fields, and the familiar red and white crest on the training centre gates glimmered faintly in the haze.
Jorge Mendes' black Bentley rolled up the narrow private road, its tires whispering over the gravel. Inside, Francesco sat quietly in the back seat, gazing out the window as the complex came into view — the same one he had walked into as a teenager, nervous and wide-eyed, clutching his first training bag.
Now, at seventeen, he was returning not as a prospect but as Arsenal's symbol — the player around whom an empire was quietly being built.
"Big day, mio campione," Mendes said from the front, adjusting his cufflinks as they neared the main entrance. "They'll have everything prepared. Contracts, projections, even sponsorship tie-ins. Ivan Gazidis himself is coming. That's not small."
Francesco nodded slowly, his reflection ghosting against the tinted glass. "Feels strange, though."
"How so?" Mendes asked.
He exhaled. "Coming here for the first time… I was scared I wouldn't belong. Now I'm scared of what happens if I do."
Mendes glanced back with a faint smile. "That's what greatness feels like before it becomes comfortable."
The car came to a smooth stop near the administrative wing. Security nodded them through instantly. Cameras flashed in the distance — not press, but club media, discreetly capturing what would later become part of the official announcement reel.
Francesco stepped out first, the morning light cutting across his tailored dark coat, his hair slightly tousled by the breeze. Mendes followed, phone already in hand, his expression one of poised calculation.
The glass doors slid open automatically, revealing the familiar scent of turf, coffee, and fresh paint. The Arsenal crest dominated the reception wall — bold, proud, eternal.
And standing there, waiting with that ageless calm, was Arsène Wenger.
"Ah, Francesco," Wenger said warmly, stepping forward, his eyes bright behind the thin frames of his glasses. "Always early. I like that."
Francesco smiled, shaking his hand firmly. "Couldn't keep you waiting, boss."
Wenger chuckled softly. "You've grown since the last meeting — not taller perhaps, but in presence."
Then he turned to Mendes, offering his hand. "Monsieur Mendes. A pleasure."
"The pleasure is mine, Arsène," Mendes replied smoothly. "Always good to see a manager who treats footballers like human beings."
A faint smile tugged at Wenger's mouth. "There's no other way to win hearts."
Behind them, Arsenal's CEO Ivan Gazidis approached, his posture sharp but genial. He was dressed immaculately, as always — navy suit, crisp white shirt, the faintest trace of cologne that smelled of cedar and composure.
"Francesco," he greeted, shaking his hand. "It's good to finally do this face-to-face again. Congratulations on the summer, by the way England's hero. Not a bad year's work."
"Thank you, sir," Francesco said, polite but grounded.
"Let's get you inside," Gazidis said, gesturing toward the boardroom. "We've got quite a bit to discuss."
The group moved through the glass corridors of Colney as past framed photographs of Arsenal legends, the 2004 Invincibles, the 2014 FA Cup lift, and the more recent Premier League celebration that still felt surreal to everyone in the building. The walls almost seemed to hum with legacy.
They entered the executive meeting room, where a long oak table stretched beneath soft ceiling lights. On the far wall, a digital display showed Arsenal's emblem next to Francesco's face, an image from the Champions League final, his arm raised toward the fans.
Gazidis gestured for them to sit. "Coffee? Tea?"
"Coffee, thank you," Mendes said.
"Just water," Francesco added quietly, his gaze lingering on the screen.
As they settled, Wenger clasped his hands in front of him, elbows resting lightly on the table. "Before we begin with formalities," he said, "I want to say something — not as a manager, but as a man who's watched you grow."
Francesco looked up, attentive.
"You came here as a boy with wide eyes and too much energy," Wenger said, his tone warm but steady. "And now, you sit before us as the player every child in England wants to be. You have given this club joy, pride, and identity again. I want you to know — whatever we discuss today, we already see you as part of our future."
The room fell quiet for a moment. Even Mendes paused, the faintest flicker of emotion softening his sharp demeanor.
Francesco nodded, his throat tightening slightly. "Thank you, boss."
Gazidis then leaned forward, professional once more. "To business, then."
The quiet hum of the air conditioning was the only sound that filled the boardroom for a moment as Ivan Gazidis carefully unfolded a thick stack of papers from his leather folder. Each page was marked with red and gold tabs, the Arsenal crest faintly embossed in the corner — official, deliberate, and full of weight.
He slid the first page across the table, his expression composed but carrying the faint satisfaction of a man who knew he was about to make history.
"Here it is," Gazidis said. "The formal offer from Arsenal Football Club."
Francesco leaned forward slightly, eyes tracing the paper, though he didn't reach for it yet. Mendes did — with the measured patience of a lawyer, his fingertips gliding over the first page, eyes narrowing slightly as he read through the opening lines.
Gazidis continued, his voice even. "We're offering Francesco a five-year contract, effective immediately, running until the summer of 2021, with the option for an additional year." He looked between Francesco and Mendes. "The base weekly salary will be increased to two hundred and fifty thousand pounds."
Even Mendes's brow flicked upward slightly — not in surprise, but in acknowledgment. That was elite-level pay — not just for a teenager, but for any player in world football.
Francesco remained silent for a moment, staring at the document. He could almost feel the number echoing in his chest, though his expression stayed calm.
"Additionally," Gazidis continued, "there will be a signing bonus of two and a half million pounds, payable upon completion of the paperwork. Image rights will remain on a fifty-fifty basis — the same structure as before."
He paused, glancing toward Mendes. "We discussed this in preliminary talks with your legal team, and we believe it's fair considering the club's contribution to Francesco's commercial visibility."
Mendes nodded slowly. "Fifty-fifty is fine, provided there's transparency in usage and licensing. Francesco's image is global now — not just club-specific. We'll need a clear framework to prevent conflicts with his other brand deals."
"Of course," Gazidis replied, smiling faintly. "We'll make sure it's airtight."
He turned another page. "Performance bonuses remain intact but have been adjusted for your current level. Five thousand pounds per goal scored in competitive fixtures — Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League. Clean and simple. Additional bonuses for assists, Player of the Month awards, and seasonal recognitions like PFA Team of the Year, Football Writers' Player, and UEFA awards."
Wenger's eyes flicked up from the table, his voice softer when he spoke. "And there's also something new — a captaincy clause."
Francesco looked at him, curious.
Wenger leaned back slightly in his chair, folding his arms, his expression calm but tinged with something weightier — almost paternal. The faint hum of the projector above cast soft light across the table, and for a moment, even Gazidis stopped shuffling the documents. It was clear that whatever Wenger was about to say wasn't just a contractual detail — it was something deeper, personal.
"Francesco," Wenger began, his voice carrying that distinctive mixture of warmth and gravity that made every player listen, "you know, I've watched many players grow in this club. I've seen boys become men, and I've seen men become legends. But very few," he paused, his gaze steady, "very few have shown me what you did last season."
Francesco blinked, caught slightly off guard by the tone. "What do you mean, boss?"
Wenger gave a small, knowing smile. "Leadership," he said simply. "The kind that doesn't need to shout or demand. The kind that earns respect through presence, through work, through care for those around you."
He gestured faintly toward the window overlooking the training grounds, where the first-team squad would soon gather. "Last season, when Per was injured, I gave you the armband a few times — mostly to see how you'd respond, to test whether the responsibility would weigh you down or lift you."
He paused, his voice softening. "You didn't just wear it. You carried it."
The words hung there, heavy yet kind. Francesco felt a warmth rise in his chest, the same quiet pride he had felt when leading Arsenal out at the Emirates for the first time — a moment he still remembered vividly: the anthem echoing, the stands shaking, and the flash of the armband tight against his sleeve.
Wenger continued, his tone deliberate now. "I've thought about this for a long time. About the timing, about the message it sends — not just to the players, but to the supporters, to the club, to football itself." He glanced briefly toward Gazidis, who gave a silent nod of approval. "After watching how you handled yourself — in the dressing room, on the pitch, and even off it — I've made my decision."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering just enough that every word struck deeper.
"This season, you won't just be our second captain," Wenger said. "You'll be our captain. Officially. You'll take the armband from Per."
For a heartbeat, the room went still.
Mendes glanced at Francesco, gauging his reaction — but for once, the usually composed teenager seemed caught between disbelief and awe. His lips parted slightly, his brow furrowing in quiet shock.
"Me?" Francesco said, almost under his breath. "Captain?"
Wenger's eyes softened. "Yes. You."
He allowed a small smile, the kind of smile that felt like a proud father watching a son reach his potential. "Per has been magnificent — a true leader and a model professional. But he's in the final phase of his career, and even he agrees that the next step for this club's future must begin now. And for that, we need a leader who embodies what Arsenal has become."
He nodded gently toward Francesco. "You've become that."
The words carried the weight of years — not just of Francesco's growth, but of Wenger's philosophy itself. A belief in nurturing from within, in trusting character over ego, in rewarding those who carried the club's values in their heart.
Francesco sat back, his heartbeat suddenly louder than the hum of the air conditioning. Captain of Arsenal. It sounded impossible, like something from a boyhood dream he'd long dismissed as fantasy.
"I… I don't know what to say," he murmured.
"Say nothing," Wenger replied softly. "Just continue to be who you are."
Gazidis smiled faintly, folding his hands on the table. "It's a bold step, but one we're proud of. You've earned this, Francesco. It's not just about talent anymore — it's about trust. Arsène and I both believe you're ready to lead this club into its next era."
Mendes sat back, a rare glimmer of satisfaction in his expression. "Well," he said, his tone measured, "it's not every day a seventeen-year-old becomes captain of one of the world's biggest clubs. But if anyone can handle it, it's him." He turned slightly toward Francesco, lowering his voice. "You know what this means, don't you?"
Francesco nodded slowly, though his mind was still reeling. "That everything changes."
Mendes smiled thinly. "Exactly."
Wenger watched him closely. "Leadership isn't about changing who you are," he said. "It's about bringing out the best of it. The players already follow you — they just don't realize yet that they're doing it."
He stood then, walking toward a small cabinet at the edge of the room. From it, he took out a small velvet-lined case, the Arsenal crest embossed in gold on the top. When he turned back, he placed it on the table in front of Francesco.
Inside, lying perfectly folded, was the red captain's armband — embroidered with his name beneath the word "CAPTAIN."
Francesco stared at it for a long moment, saying nothing. The weight of the gesture, of everything it meant, pressed into his chest. Memories flickered in his mind — his first day at Hale End, those long bus rides with academy teammates, the freezing cold nights at youth matches where his parents had stood alone in the stands, clapping with pride. And now — this.
His voice came quiet, almost a whisper. "Thank you, boss."
Wenger nodded once, slow and proud. "Make sure when you wear it, you remember everyone who helped you reach it. This armband isn't just cloth. It's responsibility. It's history."
Gazidis leaned back, his tone now formal again. "This appointment will be part of the announcement we release later today — after the contract is signed. We'll position it as the beginning of Arsenal's new leadership era. You as captain, Arsène overseeing the transition, and the next phase of our development plan."
He glanced toward Mendes. "It aligns perfectly with our long-term structure — continuity, identity, legacy."
Mendes nodded approvingly. "As long as it doesn't overload him. He's still young."
Wenger smiled faintly. "He's young in age, yes. But not in spirit. And the players — even the veterans — will see that."
The air shifted again. The conversation turned more practical as Mendes began reviewing clauses, double-checking language around bonuses, image rights, and the captaincy clause itself. Yet through it all, Francesco barely heard a word. His gaze drifted again and again toward the armband lying on the table, as if afraid that if he blinked, it might vanish.
When Mendes finished reading through, he leaned toward his client. "Everything checks out. It's an excellent deal — financially and professionally. If you're ready, we can sign."
Francesco looked at Wenger. "You're sure about this?"
Wenger smiled gently. "I've never been more sure."
And with that, Francesco picked up the pen.
His signature came out slowly, each stroke deliberate, like sealing not just a contract but a destiny. When he finished, Mendes signed his portion, followed by Gazidis and finally Wenger, whose hand lingered a moment on the page — a silent benediction.
When the papers were gathered and the final page tucked neatly into Gazidis's folder, Wenger stood and extended his hand again. "Congratulations, captain."
The word hit differently now — fuller, real. Francesco rose and shook his hand firmly.
"Thank you, boss," he said again, voice steadier this time. "I'll do everything I can to make you proud."
Wenger's smile deepened. "You already have."
As they left the boardroom, Gazidis stopped near the glass wall overlooking the pitches. The morning mist had finally lifted, revealing the vibrant green of the grass below, dotted with red training bibs as the first team began warmups.
He turned toward Francesco. "The announcement goes live in an hour. Sky Sports, BBC, The Guardian, and ESPN all have early access. Prepare yourself — it's going to be everywhere."
Mendes smirked slightly. "He'll handle it. The boy's used to headlines."
"Maybe," Gazidis said. "But this one will be different. This one's not about goals or trophies. It's about legacy."
Francesco looked down at the armband still in his hand. For a moment, all the noise — the money, the media, the magnitude — faded away. All he saw was red, stitched with gold, carrying the crest of a club that had become his second home.
He smiled quietly to himself, the faintest curve of a determined grin.
Then, with a deep breath, he said softly, almost to himself —
"Let's make history."
Wenger heard him and nodded once, proud. "Yes," he murmured. "Let's."
A few hours later, as the autumn sun began to climb higher over London, the football world shifted its gaze to a single photograph — one that would soon be plastered across every major sports outlet, every social feed, and every fan's phone screen from Islington to Indonesia.
It was a simple image — yet one that told a story far deeper than the polished smiles could show. Francesco Lee, seated at the oak table inside Arsenal's London Colney boardroom, a pen in his right hand, and the freshly signed contract spread before him. On his right stood Arsène Wenger, smiling faintly with quiet pride, and on his left, Ivan Gazidis, his posture upright and statesmanlike. Behind them, the Arsenal crest gleamed on the wall, framed perfectly by the warm lighting.
That single image became the heartbeat of the day.
By midday, the Sky Sports News banner rolled across the bottom of television screens across the country:
BREAKING: FRANCESCO LEE SIGNS NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL WITH ARSENAL, NAMED CLUB CAPTAIN.
The newsroom anchors — their voices brimming with that familiar mix of shock and admiration — launched into the story with infectious energy.
"Sky Sports can confirm that Arsenal's young star, Francesco Lee, has signed a new five-year contract with the Gunners," said the anchor, the excitement clear even behind his professionalism. "The deal is reported to be worth £250,000 per week, with significant performance bonuses and image rights arrangements. But the biggest headline of all — the 17-year-old has been officially appointed as Arsenal's new club captain, succeeding Per Mertesacker."
The broadcast cut to a shot of the photo, then to pre-recorded footage from the training ground — Francesco walking out in his red training kit, armband neatly strapped around his left bicep.
"Look at that," said the co-anchor, chuckling softly. "Seventeen years old, already the face of the club, and now wearing the captain's armband. This is history in the making."
Across the channels, the ripple spread.
On BBC Sport, the article headline was elegant but powerful:
"Francesco Lee: Arsenal's Youngest-Ever Captain Signs Record Contract."
The piece opened with the kind of reverence usually reserved for legends.
"In an era where footballers chase transfers and paychecks, Francesco Lee has done something rare — he's chosen loyalty. The teenage forward, already a Premier League Golden Boot winner and England's brightest star, has signed a long-term deal with Arsenal, reaffirming his commitment to the club that raised him. Alongside the extension, Arsène Wenger has confirmed that Lee will take over as the team's main captain, succeeding the veteran Per Mertesacker."
Quotes from the club followed soon after.
Arsène Wenger (in an official statement):
"Francesco represents everything we value at Arsenal — intelligence, humility, and heart. He is young, yes, but he has already shown the leadership and composure of a player twice his age. It is a privilege to watch him grow, and I believe he will lead this club with the same passion he plays with."
Ivan Gazidis:
"This contract is not just a reward — it's a commitment from both sides. Francesco embodies the future of Arsenal Football Club. He's not just our captain for the next few years — he's the foundation of what we're building."
On ESPN FC, the headline took a more global tone:
"Arsenal Secure Future: Francesco Lee Signs Until 2021, Named Captain at 17."
Their commentary was sharper, focusing on the magnitude of the decision.
"Arsène Wenger's decision to hand the captaincy to a 17-year-old is unprecedented in modern English football, but if any player justifies such faith, it's Francesco Lee. The young forward has been at the heart of Arsenal's resurgence both domestically and in Europe. His maturity, drive, and professionalism have drawn comparisons to club icons like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira — and now, he follows them in leading the team."
The article went on to dissect the deal:
£250,000 per week.
£2.5 million signing bonus.
£5,000 per goal scored.
50-50 image rights split.
And — the part that seemed to electrify fans most — a captaincy clause that symbolized not just trust, but transformation.
Meanwhile, The Guardian published a feature titled:
"From Hale End to Emirates Dreams: Francesco Lee, The Captain Arsenal Needed."
The writing was poetic, almost cinematic:
"It's rare in football for a single image to capture the spirit of an entire club — but today, Arsenal found one. A boy who grew up idolizing the Invincibles now stands as the club's leader, pen in hand, ready to write the next chapter. For Francesco Lee, this isn't just a contract. It's a declaration: loyalty still exists in football, and Arsenal still means something."
Beneath the article, fans poured in from around the world.
Over 20,000 comments within the first hour.
Messages from Indonesia, Nigeria, France, Brazil, and beyond — a global community celebrating a local boy who had become their symbol.
"Seventeen and already the captain. Our golden boy. Our future."
"Wenger did it again. The man sees what no one else does."
"Francesco Lee — one of us. Forever Arsenal."
On social media, it was chaos — the kind of chaos that only football could spark.
#CaptainFrancesco and #ForeverArsenal trended across the UK within minutes.
Clips of Francesco training, smiling, signing the papers, even walking through the Colney corridors flooded timelines everywhere.
Sky Sports uploaded a behind-the-scenes video titled "The Moment Francesco Signed" — a short clip showing Wenger handing him the velvet case with the captain's armband, followed by a subtle handshake and a proud, fatherly smile. The video racked up over 3 million views in just a few hours.
Then came the press conference.
Held in the Colney media room that afternoon, Francesco sat beside Wenger, both dressed immaculately — Wenger in his dark grey suit, Francesco in Arsenal's red polo with the crest gleaming on his chest. Dozens of journalists filled the room, cameras flashing like strobe lights.
Gazidis opened the session. "We're proud to announce Francesco Lee's contract extension and his appointment as club captain. This is a special moment for Arsenal Football Club."
Questions flew almost instantly.
A BBC reporter leaned forward first.
"Francesco, you're only seventeen. Did you ever expect to be handed such responsibility so soon?"
Francesco smiled slightly, his voice calm but humble. "Honestly? No. It still feels surreal. But I've always believed in leading by example. I'm grateful to the boss and the club for trusting me, and I'll give everything — every game, every training session — to make sure I'm worthy of it."
A Sky Sports journalist followed.
"Francesco, a new five-year deal, massive salary, and the captaincy — this is a defining moment. What does this say about your loyalty to Arsenal?"
He paused, thoughtful, his words sincere. "Arsenal is my home. I came here as a kid — this club shaped who I am. Money comes and goes, but what we're building here… that's something I want to be part of. Loyalty isn't old-fashioned — it's who I am."
The room went quiet for a heartbeat, then filled with the furious clicking of cameras.
Wenger, sitting beside him, smiled faintly. "That's why he's captain," he said simply, drawing soft laughter from the room.
An ESPN correspondent raised his hand.
"Arsène, what made you so confident that a teenager could lead a club like Arsenal?"
Wenger leaned into the mic. "Because leadership isn't about age. It's about influence. Francesco already leads in training — players listen when he speaks, not because he demands it, but because he earns it. He has that rare gift — to inspire without trying."
That quote would be replayed on sports channels for days.
Later, when the press conference ended, Francesco walked out into the afternoon sun, the fresh air cutting through the noise still buzzing in his ears. Mendes followed closely behind, phone already filled with notifications from sponsors and congratulatory messages.
"Sky, BBC, ESPN, The Guardian — they've all gone mad," Mendes said with a grin. "You've just broken every social record Arsenal's ever had."
Francesco chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Feels strange seeing my face everywhere. Feels like I should still be out there with the youth team, kicking around at Hale End."
Mendes patted him on the shoulder. "Different world now, mio campione. You're not just the boy from Hale End anymore. You're the captain of Arsenal Football Club. Every word you say, every step you take — people will watch."
Francesco looked out over the training ground again, where the team was still running drills. In the distance, Per Mertesacker was talking with Laurent Koscielny — both of them glancing toward him, smiling, giving a small nod of respect.
It hit him then, properly — the weight, the meaning, the responsibility.
He took a deep breath. "Then I'll make sure they're watching something worth believing in."
That evening, every major sports channel dedicated airtime to the announcement.
Sky Sports News HQ ran a full segment titled "The New Era: Francesco Lee and the Future of Arsenal."
They showed highlights — Francesco's stunning volleys, his Champions League performances, the celebrations with fans. The commentator's voice overlaid like an echo of prophecy:
"He's not just Arsenal's future — he's their identity reborn."
The Guardian's online editorial read:
"If Arsenal's past was defined by Invincibles, perhaps their future will be defined by loyalty — and a teenager's unwavering heart."
Even Match of the Day dedicated a special piece, with Gary Lineker and Ian Wright analyzing the contract and captaincy decision.
Wrighty, beaming as always, said with conviction:
"That boy's special, man. You can see it in how he carries himself. Seventeen, yeah, but you give him the ball, and he looks like he's been here for twenty years. Arsenal couldn't have picked a better captain."
By nightfall, the Emirates Stadium's digital boards lit up in tribute —
"Francesco Lee — Arsenal Captain. Our Future. Our Heart."
Thousands of fans gathered outside the gates, waving scarves and singing his name, the same chant that echoed through the terraces last season:
🎵 "Francesco Lee, born to lead, Arsenal's pride, our history's seed!" 🎵
Inside his Richmond home later that evening, Francesco sat by the window with a cup of tea, Leah's voice drifting faintly from the kitchen as she hummed to herself. His phone buzzed endlessly on the table beside him — messages from teammates, England coaches, and friends.
Per Mertesacker's text stood out the most:
"Proud of you, skipper. You deserve it. Lead them well. — Per."
He smiled quietly, placing the phone down. The armband — his armband — rested on the table beside him, gleaming under the lamplight.
He thought back to Wenger's words that morning: "Make sure when you wear it, you remember everyone who helped you reach it."
He did. His parents. His academy coaches. His teammates. Wenger. Leah. Everyone who believed. The city outside glowed in the soft amber light of evening as it was quiet, calm, yet full of promise.
________________________________________________
Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 17 (2015)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal First Team
Championship History : 2014/2015 Premier League, 2014/2015 FA Cup, 2015/2016 Community Shield, 2016/2017 Premier League, 2015/2016 Champions League, and Euro 2016
Season 15/16 stats:
Arsenal:
Match Played: 60
Goal: 82
Assist: 10
MOTM: 9
POTM: 1
England:
Match Played: 2
Goal: 4
Assist: 0
Euro 2016
Match Played: 6
Goal: 13
Assist: 4
MOTM: 6
Season 14/15 stats:
Match Played: 35
Goal: 45
Assist: 12
MOTM: 9