19 April 2014
"Jordi, before you leave, come here. Take a look."
Señor Garcia placed a wrapped package on the counter. Jordi placed a hand on the package, then glanced at Señor Garcia.
"Yes, yes. It is for you, little brat. You can open it," Señor Garcia took a cigarette drag. According to his logic, he could smoke in front of little Jordi, who was 'old enough' now.
Jordi carefully removed the tape and unravelled the khaki packaging. Inside lay four white books with details of a different colour on each. Jordi did not need to read the titles to know that this was the complete series, 'The Cemetery of Forgotten Books' by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Having already read them twice over, Jordi sent an enquiring look towards Señor Garcia, who flicked his cigarette into the glass ashtray.
"Your mother wants you to learn how to read Catalan. That girl is quite wise. No Catalan boy should just suffice with mere conversational-level Catalan. So, these books are in Catalan. When you started learning English, I got you the same books. It would be easiest for you to start with them again."
Jordi had been raised a proud Catalan by his mother and uncle, not to forget that he was the youngest member of the formidable Penya Culers del Raval. He was also looking forward to excelling in a third language. Reading in Spanish felt smooth and colourful. Reading in English felt mysterious and unsparing. Jordi wondered what Catalan would feel like.
…
"Jordi! Jordi! You're right on time. Your uncle is losing by 2 goals. Quick, take a picture," Aunt Ona shouted as Jordi entered the bakery.
Uncle Ferran turned to look at Jordi as one looks at a long-awaited saviour. He quickly turned off the Xbox and got up.
"Jordi is here, and there is a lot to discuss. We'll play later."
Ona could only scoff. She placed the controllers back and followed Ferran to the counter. Layla sat behind the counter, silently spectating with an equal amount of amusement and annoyance at her brother. Jordi turned towards his mother, curious about Uncle Ferran's remark.
Layla caught Jordi's eye and spoke, "We have to discuss your renewal with La Masia. Go upstairs and get changed. I have to close the bakery. We'll talk then."
…
Jordi sat cross-legged, facing his mother and aunt on the sofa. His uncle sat fidgeting on the floor cushion next to him.
"Jordi, we can sign the training agreement for Barcelona next week. Mister Alexanko said that they are increasing your allowance and will provide the highest possible coverage in case you move to La Masia."
Jordi kept quiet. Out of the corner of his eyes, he could still make out Uncle Ferran fidgeting.
"Now, before I continue, I want you to listen to everything I say. Do not interrupt."
Jordi gave a curt nod.
"Representatives from Bayern Munich and Manchester United have also contacted us— Let me finish, Jordi!
They are offering the same terms, which are the highest legally possible. However, both of them have given a clear plan for you to reach the first team. Also, keep in mind who the manager at Bayern Munich is right now."
Before Jordi could reply with a clear rejection, he heard a deep sigh from his uncle.
"Reietó, come with me. How about we get you some new boots, hunh?"
Jordi was confused. He knew Uncle Ferran wanted to talk to him alone, but he did not understand why they were even having this conversation. Still, prompted by his mother's dangerous look, he got up and followed after Uncle.
...
Usually, without a second guess, Jordi would buy Messi's boots, but he did not like the flashy look of the F50 Adizero Messi wore this season. He also was not a huge fan of how lightweight the F50 Adizero were. Jordi had gone through a growth spurt recently, and he realized that he preferred playing in heavier, more stable boots.
Jordi tried on the Adidas Nitrocharges, the black and orange ones that Xavi wore right now. They were much thicker above his feet and felt more stable. He wanted to try kicking a football with them when Uncle Ferran interrupted.
"Do you like these? Let's get them."
Jordi, ever cognizant of his uncle's tone, agreed. Jordi followed Uncle Ferran as he paid 140 euros at the counter and walked over to a bench in the park outside.
"Reietó, I won't lie to you, my heart cannot see you play for any club other than our club. Heck, I never even thought I would entertain the thought of my nephew choosing another club over Barca. Yet, today, I realize I was very wrong. Barcelona is my home, and it is very important to me, but Reietó, you are much more important."
Ferran's eyes follow a baby magpie stumbling towards its mother. Jordi is keeping track of the football game happening not so far away. Jordi's hands, however, clench the bench when Ferran finishes his sentence. In that moment, he hopes his uncle knows how important he is to Jordi.
"Reietó, the new Barca president is the same as Sandro, the previous one. They treat Barca as a business, a machine with no soul. They have stopped caring about our identity, and they certainly don't care about La Masia anymore. Even with how good you are, you are at best some million euros in their eyes. Jordi, you agree, right?"
Jordi nods his head.
"Reietó, Thiago just went to Ba,yern and look how happy he is. They say that Guardiola has seen your clips and he is impressed. I talked to the spokesperson myself. They have a whole plan for you to join the first team by 17. I felt it, Reietó. They really want you. With Barca… it would be really difficult to get in at Barca, Jordi."
Ferran spoke in the manner of a man apologizing on behalf of someone. He had always tried to compensate for that glaring absence in Jordi's life, and Ferran felt like he had somehow failed Jordi today. He did not care about Barca at this moment. Ferran just wanted his nephew to be happy. His reietó, his miraculous little nephew, more than anyone in this world, deserved to be happy.
"Uncle," Jordi spoke in his quiet voice, "I'll stay. This is my club, my home. I won't leave."
Ferran sighed, "What if they force you to leave one day?"
Jordi stared at his uncle, "Why would they do that?"
Ferran just smiled back, melancholy escaping his eyes.
The next week, Layla Lloret signed Jordi's training agreement at La Masia. The news was welcomed by the various Twitter accounts and blogs that followed La Masia's teams.
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LaLiga Youth
@Laligayouth
Barca retains the extremely talented Infantil-A captain Jordi Lloret. A natural leader, he dictates the game with high intelligence and wonderful pausa. You can watch the 11-year-old next month in the LaLiga Futures U14 final between Barca and RM.
His stats for the season so far (according to La Masia website):
Games Played: 26
Goals: 5 (2 Freekicks)
Assists: 16
0.81 G/A per match while playing as a pivot for most of the season!
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La Masia
@youngcules
Pumped to hear that Jordi Lloret stays at La Masia. A prodigal talent! One for the future, most definitely.
Pep, I <3 You BUT Stay Away From Our Boy!
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