Always and Forever

twenty nine

3-0 in the 19th minute.

I ran to Lieke and we put our arms around each other but continued running. Mapi ran and jumped at us both, she was shortly after joined by the rest of the team. The vibes in this team are unmatched. I have never felt so much joy scoring a goal in my life. Never, ever.

"Sophie. I fucking love you"
Mapi said before slapping my head.

"Win us this, kid. Win us this"
Mapi grinned at me.

"I'll try my best"
I smiled back.

you know, it's hard to believe that we were 4-0 up before half time. Our fourth goal came in the 35th minute.

Lieke is world class. Yet again she bet Niamh Charles down the left flank. She didn't stop running, she made it to the edge of the box and Hansen had made a run into the middle. Lieke fired a low and hard cross in which landed sweetly for Caro to stroke it home. The two screamed with joy before embracing each other in a hug. I jumped at them, followed by my teammates.

What a day. What a team.

"Lieke. You're insane"
I said as i walked back with the dutchie.

"You've scored two!"

"You've been involved in all four goals. Don't stop. You're amazing"

"Means a-lot coming from the young sensation"

"You inspire me every day Lieke"
I replied which made Lieke smile.

******
The full time whistle blew and we had won the Champions League. 4-0. The players on the bench ran onto the pitch. The Chelsea players fell to the ground in devastation.

I fell to the floor in joy. I started crying. I was a little girl with a dream. A dream of winning this trophy and here i am at twenty two years old.
An FA cup winner.
A WSL winner.
A treble winner but most of all a Champions League winner.

Alexia picked me up and threw me onto her shoulders. I was crying and she was jumping with me on her shoulders.

"You done this. You got us here. You contributed today. You won this. You deserve this. I love you"
Alexia said, loudly so i could hear her over the celebrations that were going on.

"This season has been the best of my life. Moving here is by far the best decision i have ever made. Meeting everyone. Meeting you is something i will never forget. Playing alongside you is something i can't put into words. You're my hero Putellas"
Alexia put me down and wrapped her arms around me. She embraced me in a tight, loving hug.

"To me, you feel like my own kid. I love you more than words describe and you deserve this so much. I am so proud of you. Not just for today but all season. You've been insane. You've not been on 'form' you've just been playing at your level. That's how you play. Keep it up because there is no stopping you. You have the world at your feet"

"You Alexia. Like Viv are more a mum to me than mines ever was. I was a little girl with a dream and here i am. Living my dream surrounded by the best people i've ever met"

"You're stuck with me forever now, little one"

"That's fine by me"

"Let's celebrate"
I jumped on Alexia's back.

I jumped off Alexia's back as she went over with the team. I made sure to talk with the Chelsea players, especially the English ones. Bright, Kirby, England and Niamh. I spoke to them all. I told them that i'm proud of them and they will be back.

After that, i joined my team. We were stood in a circle with our arms around each other, jumping up and down.

******
The moment came and we lived the trophy. Alexia did. Confetti went everywhere and everyone was jumping up and down with the biggest smiles you will ever see. After the first trophy lift, Alexia called me to where she was standing. I went and i lifted it with her. I lifted it alongside her and everyone cheered. Champagne went everywhere. I won't ever forget this.