Ferran Torres ¹³

The atmosphere between Ferran and Pedri had been tense even before they stepped onto the pitch. It wasn't an easy fight to resolve. This time, there was something more to it.

The night before, Ferran had told Pedri that he had spoken with the club about a possible departure at the end of the season. Nothing was signed, but the decision seemed imminent. They had argued and didn't speak again before the match.

During the first few minutes they tried to ignore each other, until the play came.

Pedri received the ball in the center and saw Ferran completely unmarked on the wing. He played a long ball to him, but Ferran arrived late and the ball went out of play.

Pedri raised his arms.

—Ferran! It was easy!

—What do you want me to do?

—Be alert!

—I was on alert! The pass was coming in too fast.

Pedri let out an incredulous laugh.

—Of course. Now it's my fault too.

—I didn't say that.

—It's always the same with you. You never admit anything.

Ferran looked at him, annoyed.

—We're talking about a pass.

—I'm tired of you always doing the same thing.

—Same as what?

Pedri started talking faster.

—Make decisions on your own. Don't tell me anything. Do whatever you want.—

Ferran looked at him, bewildered, interrupting him.

—What does that have to do with the play?

-All!

—No, Pedri. You're taking advantage of any opportunity to bring up the topic.

The referee yelled at them to keep playing. But Pedri was already too angry.

—Because you don't want to talk about it.

—Because we're in the middle of a fucking game!

—Always excuses.

Ferran let out a snort. Pedri followed.

—It's not about Barça.

—It seems so.

—It's about the fact that you're incapable of thinking about anyone other than YOURSELF.

Ferran stared at him.

—That's really unfair. I've been trying to be there for you for months and it never seems to be enough.

Pedri was about to answer, but Ferran shook his head.

—You know what? Never mind. I'm not going to argue with you anymore.

He turned around and walked away to take his place, still indignant.