Valencia- Paterna
The ride to Valencia's training ground was quiet. Izan sat by the window, earphones in, the blurred city passing him by.
Every now and then, he caught glimpses of fans lining the streets, holding signs—some desperate, some defiant.
"IZAN, DON'T LEAVE."
"VALENCIA NEEDS YOU."
"STAY AND FIGHT."
Their faith in him felt heavier than ever.
Izan leaned back against the seat, eyes fixed on the passing scenery.
It should've felt normal—returning for preseason, slipping back into routine. But there was nothing normal about this.
Not when the club's financial crisis loomed like a storm over everything.
Not when he knew, deep down, that his future might no longer be in his hands.
When the training complex came into view, he exhaled slowly, bracing himself.
He had expected tension, and uncertainty—maybe even resentment from his teammates.
Instead, as he stepped into the locker room, Pietro was the first to break the silence.
