I rejected the school bully's confession because of soccer. - Chapter 7

After the filming ended, the cameras were off, but the excitement was still high.
Especially the La Masia officials were exchanging meaningful glances while glancing at where Kang Tan was.
“To be honest, when we saw the video, we thought there might be some exaggeration…”
Smiles were evident at the end of each sentence as they conversed in Spanish.
“Seeing it in person leaves me speechless. To think such a child exists in Korea.”
The man who looked the oldest among them, Villanova, the chief scout of La Masia’s youth program, opened his mouth.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen someone handle our youngest like that. Not just the skills, but the composure that shouldn’t be possible at that age. This isn’t just talent. Whatever choice he makes, that child will surely become a great player.”
Villanova once again recalled the scenes of Kang Tan he had witnessed.
The Marseille turn he showed was enough to catch the La Masia children off guard.
Moreover, the accurate shot he showed after fooling the opponent with a flip flap wasn’t just mere showmanship.
He wasn’t just equipped with the qualities of a soccer player, he was already a professional.
“So, you’re saying we should make a scouting offer?”
“Of course. We can’t miss out on such talent. But there’s a problem. His age. FIFA Article 19 will still be a hurdle.”
The coaches fell silent at his words.
To bring a promising young player to Spain, the parents had to move there for work.
Moreover, even if the parents agreed, adaptation and settlement would take time and effort.
Too many children became intimidated, unable to overcome the changed environment, cultural and language differences.
At that moment, a coach next to him carefully opened his mouth.
“Let’s try to persuade them first? The child’s parents, from what we saw today, weren’t they quite enthusiastic?”
Villanova recalled Kang Tan’s parents.
They didn’t say much, but pride was evident in their eyes as they watched their son’s play.
Above all, he remembered what Kang Tan had said in the post-game interview.
“My dad? He always supports my soccer. Whatever decision I make, he’s someone who believes in me.”
When he heard those words, Villanova felt a flutter in his heart and instinctively sensed.
That there might be a possibility of persuasion.
“Let’s meet formally tomorrow. We need to prepare what we need to prepare. Still, how much chance of success there will be…”
As Villanova trailed off, a coach next to him playfully added.
“It’s okay if the success rate is low. That’s the La Masia style, isn’t it? Betting on potential.”
Villanova nodded silently.
If this bet was successful, it would be close to certainty beyond possibility.

The next morning, I was sitting face to face with La Masia officials in the hotel lounge we were invited to.
Next to me, Dad couldn’t hide his excitement.
No, he didn’t seem to feel any reason to hide it.
“Tan, imagine how amazing it would be if you went to La Masia.”
Dad said he was already thinking of going ahead and settling down if only we decided where to send me for overseas study.
He had spared no support in my previous life too, but he hadn’t gone all out like this…
There was confidence in Dad’s voice, and Villanova smiled with satisfaction upon hearing it.
“That’s really wonderful. Kang Tan already has all the talent we’re looking for. With the full support of his parents, we couldn’t ask for more.”
I took a sip of orange juice.
Of course, I didn’t dislike being given such a great opportunity.
No, to be precise, I was overjoyed.
Yesterday’s game with them was one of the most exciting experiences in my soccer life.
But…
“To be honest…”
I deliberately spoke slowly.
“It’s a very grateful opportunity, but…”
Villanova’s eyebrows raised slightly.
“Kang Tan, tell us whatever concerns you have. If it’s a problem we can solve, we’ll help.”
What could be the reason a five-year-old hesitates?
His expression showed confidence that he could persuade me, whatever it was.
“Well, you see…”
“Language? Racial discrimination?”
Not at all.
Language wasn’t an issue thanks to my constant honing in preparation for an overseas vision in my previous life.
I was confident I could overcome bullying or racial discrimination from little kids with my mental age.
The problem was elsewhere.
I took a breath, organized the thoughts that flashed through my mind, and spoke.
“I wish Korean soccer would thrive more. If I were to stay in the domestic league…”
Villanova leaned forward with surprised eyes.
The reason for his surprise was simple.
Until now, our conversation had been conducted through an interpreter.
But now I was expressing my opinion in Spanish.
Dad also had an unbelievable expression.
“Wouldn’t more people watch K-League games, and wouldn’t interest in soccer grow?”
Villanova’s face seemed more amazed by the Spanish I was speaking than by my opinion.
“I could be a hope for those who thought they couldn’t succeed without studying abroad. I want to show that you can become a star by learning domestically without going abroad.”
I gave an answer that was a bit unexpected even to myself.
My dream in my previous life was, of course, to play on the international stage, and here I am saying this even after receiving an offer to seize that opportunity in this life.
“Wouldn’t that allow Korean soccer to grow more?”
Villanova nodded, resting his chin on one hand.
Setting aside his surprise for a moment, he seemed to take my opinion seriously.
“That’s a very excellent thought, Kang Tan. You have a big vision for soccer too. But…”
He raised his head again and looked at me.
His eyes were more serious.
“If you stay and play in Korea, fans will be enthusiastic right away. Because of the overwhelming performance you’ll show. But how long will that last?”
He continued with sincere advice, not seeing me as a child.
“An existence that’s too strong can give teammates an inferiority complex, and even fans might gradually find it predictable.”
I couldn’t continue speaking for a moment.
I had never thought about such problems.
Villanova didn’t miss that gap and continued his persuasion.
“What if Kang Tan doesn’t gain experience abroad? Fans will wish you had gained overseas experience during the time you spent as the head of the snake.”
Saying that both I and the fans would feel regretful about the time passing in the country.
“Imagine yourself surviving on the world’s best stage. Then you’ll be remembered not as a simple player, but as a legend. If you miss this opportunity now, can you be sure such an offer will come again?”
It wasn’t persuasion suitable for a five-year-old.
He was already seeing me as a professional.
I quietly mulled over his words.
The world stage.
That was the stage I had dreamed of since childhood.
In fact, if it weren’t for this talent, I would have unconditionally wanted to study abroad.
At that moment, Villanova delivered his final blow.
“Kang Tan, this offer is a challenge to the record for the youngest entry in La Masia history.”
For a moment, my mind went blank.
Youngest?
That word brushed my ears twice.
No, maybe three times.
Me, the youngest record?
The corners of my lips rose without me realizing.
Whether in my previous life or this one, the word ‘youngest’ stimulated me so much.
“Youngest…”
I murmured in a small voice.
I can’t resist this.
I organized all the thoughts in my head.
“Alright. Let’s hear the conditions.”
A bright smile spread across Villanova’s face.
“An excellent choice, Kang Tan.”

Spain, Barcelona.
I felt it as soon as I got off the plane.
It’s really a foreign country.
La Masia had waited until all my schedules in Korea, that is, “Soccer King Golden Child,” were finished.
And then the plane ticket they sent right away.
The exotic air enveloping me smelled different from Korea from the start.
The wind was cooler than I thought, and the sky was spread out unbelievably blue.
I couldn’t help my heart racing.
This was the land I had longed for so much.
“Tan, let’s go that way!”
Dad led my hand with an excited face.
The person who supported and helped with every process for me to come here.
No, the person who passionately enjoyed this whole process.
Even now, he was holding a bag in one hand and urging me with the other.
The place we arrived at was the accommodation provided by the club.
It was a modern apartment with soft colors, with a view of the city through the full-length windows.
Thanks to the club’s support, the monthly rent for the house assigned to our family was resolved without burden.
Part of the living expenses were also subsidized, and my school fees and youth team training fees were all supported.
In simple terms, it meant we didn’t have to worry about money.
“Tan, isn’t this really great? We’re going to live here for a long time. Thanks to your soccer, Dad even got a job in Europe, so I owe you for this life.”
Dad unpacked excitedly, laughing.
But my feelings weren’t simply excited like Dad’s.
Of course, being able to come here was a great opportunity, and it was an achievement I had worked hard for.
But on one side of my heart, there was a strange mix of responsibility and expectation.
What if I fail here?
Even if not failure, what if I don’t stand out?
‘I can’t be complacent just because I brought sensibilities from my previous life.’
The conditions given to me were sufficient.
Looking at the schedule received from the club, language classes were included in addition to training.
‘I pretended to be somewhat proficient… I guess it still looked immature?’
It couldn’t be bad.
Becoming more proficient in Spanish and English would be good for both me and the club.
“Tan, how’s your condition?”
Dad approached and lightly patted my shoulder.
I nodded and smiled.
“Good! And excited!”
I deliberately spoke in a bright voice like a child.
Being excited was true.
I had set foot on the land I had only dreamed of in my previous life.
But joining the club is just the beginning.
Now I have to really break the ‘youngest record’.