The King Of Arsenal

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Outside the stadium, the fans continued to celebrate, chanting Francesco's name long after the game had ended. With each cheer, he felt a deep connection to them, a promise that he would strive to give them more moments of magic. That day, he had not only written his name into Arsenal history but had also carved a place in the hearts of the fans and his teammates, a beginning that promised even greater adventures to come.

Back in the locker room, the celebrations were in full swing, laughter and congratulatory shouts echoing through the space as Francesco's teammates continued to cheer his stunning debut performance. Amid the celebration, the locker room door opened, and Arsène Wenger entered, a warm smile lighting up his face. The team quieted, turning their attention to their manager, curious to hear his thoughts.

Wenger's gaze focused on Francesco, and with a hint of pride in his voice, he began, "Francesco, I don't think you realize what you've just achieved today. Not only did you secure the winning goal, but you've also become Arsenal's youngest-ever scorer." He paused, letting the magnitude of the statement sink in. "You broke Cesc Fabregas's record, which was 16 years and 211 days. And that's not all—you're also the youngest scorer in Premier League history, surpassing James Vaughan's record of 16 years and 270 days."

A stunned silence filled the room, quickly giving way to gasps and murmurs of awe. The weight of the achievement settled on Francesco as he absorbed Wenger's words, his heart pounding with excitement and disbelief. At just 16 years and 8 days, he had not only scored in his debut but had etched his name into the Premier League record books.

Wenger continued, a gleam of pride in his eyes. "This is an extraordinary accomplishment, Francesco. Today, the world knows your name. You've captured the hearts of Arsenal fans and shown your teammates—and our opponents—what you're capable of. I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of what you'll achieve."

A round of applause broke out among his teammates. Sanchez gave Francesco a playful nudge, grinning from ear to ear. "Mate, you've done it! The youngest scorer in the league—unbelievable! No one's taking that record anytime soon."

Ramsey chimed in, shaking his head in admiration. "It took years for someone to break Fabregas's record, and I doubt anyone will come close to beating yours for a long, long time."

Rosicky clapped Francesco on the shoulder, beaming with pride. "This is legendary, Francesco. You've just made history. You'll be remembered for this—no matter what comes next, this moment is yours."

The words of his teammates felt surreal, each praise carrying the weight of years of effort, training, and dreams. Francesco looked around the room, his face lighting up as he saw the admiration in each of his teammates' eyes. His debut goal had earned him respect not only from the fans but from the players he looked up to—a bond that transcended the game itself.

The excitement continued to build as the team marveled at the record-breaking achievement. Some of the older players shared memories of Fabregas's historic goal, recalling how impressed they'd been back then, but they were unanimous in their belief that Francesco's record, set at such a young age, would be almost impossible to surpass.

Szczesny, Arsenal's goalkeeper, let out a low whistle, grinning as he shook his head in awe. "Sixteen years and eight days. That's insane, Francesco. I hope you're ready for all the attention because after today, every football fan will be talking about you."

Francesco blushed, smiling shyly as the reality of his achievement dawned on him. "I—I don't know what to say. It's all a bit overwhelming." His voice was filled with genuine humility, a trait that endeared him to his teammates even more.

Wenger stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Francesco's shoulder. "There's no need to be overwhelmed, Francesco. This is only a testament to your hard work and dedication. Stay focused, and remember that records are simply markers of what you're capable of. Don't let them define you; let them inspire you to keep striving for greatness."

The wisdom in Wenger's words settled within Francesco. He nodded, grateful for the guidance and support of a manager who believed in him. The moment felt surreal, yet incredibly grounding, as Francesco realized the responsibility that came with his newfound fame. He wasn't just playing for himself; he was representing Arsenal, his teammates, and the legacy of the club.

As the excitement gradually eased, the players returned to their lockers, still buzzing with excitement but now with a renewed focus. Francesco's achievement had uplifted the entire team, instilling a sense of unity and shared purpose. His record-breaking goal became a symbol of the passion and potential that each player carried, a reminder of the heights they could reach together.

Just as the team prepared to wind down, Wenger cleared his throat, capturing everyone's attention once more. "Let's not forget that this is only the start of our season. Francesco, you've set the bar high, but every one of you has the talent and dedication to make history. I expect all of you to bring your best as we move forward."

The team nodded, their expressions turning serious as Wenger's words settled over them. There was a silent determination among them, a shared commitment to building on the foundation Francesco had just laid. The locker room was a mixture of celebration and resolve—a perfect blend of joy and ambition.

As the players began to change and prepare to leave, Ramsey leaned over to Francesco, giving him a friendly grin. "You're going to have a lot of interviews and probably a ton of fans waiting for you outside, so get ready for the spotlight."

Francesco chuckled, still coming to grips with the attention. "I guess I'll have to get used to it now."

Sanchez clapped him on the back, his grin widening. "If anyone deserves it, it's you. Just remember, we're here to support you, on and off the pitch."

As the locker room began to quiet, Wenger gathered the team's attention once more. "All right, I need two of you with me for the post-match conference." He glanced toward Per Mertesacker and Mesut Özil. "Per, Mesut, come with me."

The two players nodded, understanding the gravity of the task. Wenger turned to Francesco, his expression softening. "Francesco, I'm not taking you with us to the press conference. You're young, and I want to shield you from the intensity of the media for now. They're eager—too eager—to question you. There will be a time for you to speak, but it's important to manage that carefully."

Francesco met Wenger's gaze and nodded, fully trusting his manager's judgment. "I understand, boss. I'll do whatever you think is best."

Wenger smiled, reassured by Francesco's maturity. "Good. You've already proven yourself where it matters most—on the pitch."

With that, Wenger, Mertesacker, and Özil exited the locker room, leaving Francesco with his teammates. Steve Bould, Wenger's assistant, came up to Francesco's side, laying a supportive hand on his shoulder. "Wenger's doing this for you, you know. It's all about protecting you from the spotlight that everyone wants to thrust upon you."

Francesco nodded. "I know, and I'm grateful. I'm not upset at all; he's looking out for me."

Bould nodded approvingly. "Good man. Keep that mindset, and you'll go far."

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Post-Match Conference

In the brightly lit press room, the hum of voices quickly quieted as Wenger, Mertesacker, and Özil took their seats on the podium. Reporters leaned forward, their pens poised and cameras ready. Wenger opened with a brief statement, praising the team's performance and resilience in a hard-fought match. As he finished, hands shot up, the reporters buzzing with questions.

A journalist at the front, from *The Guardian*, stood and directed his question to Wenger. "Arsène, Francesco just broke both Arsenal's and the Premier League's records as the youngest goal scorer. What can you tell us about him, and how do you plan to manage the attention he's bound to attract?"

Wenger smiled, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Francesco had an exceptional debut. He displayed skill, composure, and a maturity that is rare for a player of his age. However, Francesco is still very young, and our priority is his development. We're focused on nurturing his talent gradually, without placing undue pressure on him. It's important that he continues to enjoy his football and that he remains focused on improving."

A *BBC* reporter followed up, this time addressing Mertesacker. "Per, as a veteran and leader on the team, what did you see in Francesco's performance today, and how did the squad react to his debut?"

Per leaned forward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Francesco was incredible today. For someone so young, he showed remarkable confidence and awareness on the pitch. The way he took that final goal—it was instinctive, pure talent. In the locker room, we were all buzzing. It's exciting to see a young player come in and make such a statement, and we're all here to support him."

Next, a *Sky Sports* journalist directed his question to Özil. "Mesut, you've played with and against some of the best players in the world. How would you describe Francesco's potential based on what you saw today?"

Özil smiled slightly, choosing his words with care. "Francesco has something special. It's difficult to explain, but you can see it when he plays—the vision, the composure, the touch. Potential is a tricky word because it depends on many things, but I can tell you that he has the talent to go as far as he wants in this sport. We're all excited to have him in the team, and we're here to help him along the way."

As the questions continued, one journalist pressed Wenger on the decision not to bring Francesco to the conference. "Arsène, considering the record-breaking moment, some might expect Francesco to be here with you. Is there a reason why he's not?"

Wenger's gaze was steady, his voice calm. "As I mentioned earlier, Francesco is very young, and it's crucial that we manage his exposure carefully. He's just had an intense match, a memorable one, and he needs time to process that without being overwhelmed. There will be plenty of time for Francesco to address the media, but right now, his focus should be on football and enjoying this moment. We want to ensure that he remains grounded and that his journey progresses at a pace that's healthy for him."

A reporter from The Telegraph turned back to Mertesacker with a follow-up. "Per, considering the level of interest Francesco's bound to attract, how do you as a team handle that dynamic? Does it change anything in the dressing room?"

Per shook his head firmly. "Not at all. We're a team first and foremost, and Francesco is one of us. We see it as part of our role to support him. We were all young players once, and we know what it's like to be in his position. We're here to give him advice, guidance, and make sure he feels like a valued member of the squad. His achievements are our achievements, and his challenges are ours as well."

The next reporter turned to Özil, curious about Francesco's connection with the rest of the squad. "Mesut, have you had the chance to get to know Francesco personally? What's he like off the pitch?"

Özil's eyes softened, and he spoke with warmth. "Francesco is very humble, down-to-earth. Off the pitch, he's respectful, hardworking, and eager to learn. He's the kind of player who asks questions, watches how others train, and genuinely cares about improving. It's rare to see that in someone so young, and it's one of the reasons we believe he's going to go far."

As the conference began to wind down, one final question was directed at Wenger. "Arsène, with today's performance, Francesco has set a new benchmark for young players. What message do you hope this sends to other aspiring footballers?"

Wenger's smile was gentle but resolute. "Francesco's achievement shows that talent combined with discipline and hard work can lead to extraordinary things, regardless of age. But it's also a reminder that football is a journey. One game, one goal, or one record is just the beginning. We want young players to understand the importance of perseverance and humility. Francesco's goal today was extraordinary, but it's his mindset, his dedication, and his love for the game that truly make him a player to watch."

With that, Wenger, Mertesacker, and Özil stood, nodding their thanks as they left the press room. The post-match conference had given the world a glimpse into Arsenal's newest star, but it was clear that Wenger's thoughtful approach would shape Francesco's career carefully, giving him the best foundation to grow not only as a player but as a person.

Back in the locker room, Francesco finished his shower, the rush of warm water easing the adrenaline that still coursed through him. His mind drifted back to the game and the surreal realization of having broken two major records. Despite the buzzing excitement around him, he was grateful for the chance to take a breather, just as Wenger had intended. It was a lot to absorb, and he appreciated having time to process it without the immediate glare of the media.

Dressed and refreshed, Francesco joined his teammates as they prepared to leave. The atmosphere was relaxed but energized—conversations flowed easily, laughter filled the air, and the unity among the players was palpable. They gathered their bags, heading down the corridor and out to the waiting team bus, where they would travel back to the Arsenal Training Center.

As they walked to the bus, Per Mertesacker came up beside Francesco, clapping him on the shoulder with a proud smile. "Ready for the ride back?"

Francesco nodded, returning Per's smile. "Yeah, I think so. It still feels like a dream."

Per chuckled. "I know the feeling, but it's real, and you deserve every bit of it. Just remember what the boss said—it's one game at a time."

Mesut Özil walked up, overhearing their conversation. "Trust him, Francesco. We've all been there. Enjoy this moment, but keep your feet on the ground. Today's goal was amazing, but it's only the beginning."

Francesco nodded again, taking in their advice. He appreciated how the team—especially the experienced players like Per and Mesut—was guiding him through what could easily feel overwhelming. They were more than just teammates; they were mentors who understood the challenges he would face.

As they boarded the bus, the seats filled with lively chatter, replays of moments from the game, and a shared sense of accomplishment. Francesco took a seat near the window, looking out at the stadium, feeling a surge of pride and gratitude. The excitement of the match still lingered, but he was also starting to feel a calm, focused determination. He had made history, yes, but he understood that he needed to keep working, keep learning, and stay grounded.

Sitting across the aisle, Aaron Ramsey leaned over, grinning. "So, Francesco, you ready to be the new poster boy of the Premier League?"

Francesco laughed, shaking his head. "I'm just ready to keep improving. I've still got so much to learn from all of you."

"That's the spirit," Ramsey replied with a nod of approval. "You've got the talent, but staying humble is just as important. Don't worry—if the fame goes to your head, we'll bring you back down."

A few seats away, Alexis Sanchez overheard and chimed in with a laugh. "Yeah, we'll keep you in check, don't worry. Besides, we're all counting on more of those goals from you."

The bus filled with laughter as Francesco smiled, feeling the warmth of his teammates' camaraderie. Even as they teased him, he could sense their genuine support. Wenger's words, his teammates' advice, and the hard-fought victory all blended into a sense of belonging that was both grounding and inspiring.

Francesco realized he wasn't alone on this journey—he had a team beside him, guiding him forward. As the bus pulled away from the stadium, the city lights blurred past, and Francesco leaned back in his seat, gazing out the window with a quiet, determined smile.

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Name : Francesco Lee

Age : 16 (2014)

Birthplace : London, England

Football Club : Arsenal First Team

Championship History : None