This journey started without an ending in mind. Just the way all the great trips kick off. I can see Noel welcoming you, just as it happened a few weeks ago. You were charming as always, but that time I felt something special was about to happen.
People say it was a matter of time for us to start lifting trophies; however, the first season was tough. No silverware for the blue side, and many doubts started to pop up. Were you really made for this league? You just needed to find your way. I remember you saying how strange the game was here. But you knew you were gonna make it. Self-trust is something I learned while I've been following your career, and it is something I am going to keep with me for ages. Thanks for that.
When it comes to leadership, you are always my first reference. I know how often that story is repeated about changing things, improving, and turning bad into good... For me, that is an old, boring story... I am more into your way: people who have already decided to be good, they are among the best, but that is not enough. You take good into great, extraordinary, superb. And it is not only about that. It is about keeping them on that path. That endless effort to improve every time and get what you deserve. I remember that game where the photo was taken. It was a 2-1, and your boys were playing with red and black kits. KDB scored the 2 goals, and your team was supposed to get the trophy. You stayed on the pitch until you got it and lifted it. It was more about the protocol, but for me, the reason was clear: get what you deserve as you fought for it. The place where it all happened also got its part in the chain.
Now it comes to my mind the disaster against Liv'pool. First leg 3-0 away. I was about to take the plane to Europe. The last thing I saw before boarding was Mané scoring the third at half an hour of the game. I knew it was gonna be either a glorious take back that will place us as the number one contender to win it, or a heavy debacle in Europe. Watching you being sacked by the referee in the first half made me understand we are all humans; we are not supposed to agree with what is happening, and we have to face our destiny in terms of what we are working on. In the end, I was okay with Bale taking Europe away from the Reds and keeping PL for us at home, along with the EFL Cup. Cheers to that.
To be honest, I don't know how I am supposed to feel about you leaving. But it seems this has also been trained by you. Leaving every certain time, preparing the ground for those who will come after you, after us, is part of it. Letting it go and moving on, knowing we gave our best to it.
Many thanks for these stunning ten years. I wouldn't change anything. More glory than pain, but that pain hurt a lot. I think I'll see you around, mister. Thanks again for giving us back the hope and fact that we deserve what we fight for.
