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Chapter 23 - U 18 Call up

The locker room wasn't loud. No wild celebration. No team talk. Just the quiet hum of ice packs and heavy legs.

But Enzo Sky Vito was wide awake. He had barely slept.

His phone hadn't stopped vibrating since the whistle blew last night. Mentions, reposts, interview requests — all overflowing. He hadn't read half of them.

His performance in the derby hadn't just impressed.

It ignited something.

The Viral Moment

It wasn't the volley.

It wasn't the nutmeg on Calhanoglu.

It was the still photo: a moment where Enzo stood under the floodlights, arms out, staring up at the curva sud — the Milan faithful roaring behind him like a storm.

Someone captioned it on Twitter:

"15 years old. Born for this."

It went viral in twelve minutes.

By morning, Sky Italia called the club. They wanted Enzo live — today.

The Interview

He sat on the set with a crisp black Milan jacket zipped to the top. The cameras were on, lights hot, and his legs bounced slightly — nerves.

The interviewer smiled warmly.

"Enzo, buongiorno."

"Buongiorno," he replied softly.

"You became the youngest debutant in a Milan derby. You didn't score, but the world watched you. How do you feel today?"

Enzo paused. "Grateful. But… it's only the beginning."

That answer made headlines on its own.

They asked about his idol. "El Fenômeno," he said without hesitation.

They asked about pressure. "I try to have fun with the ball. Like when I was little. That keeps me free."

And when asked what he'd say to kids watching him now, he smiled.

"Play with joy. That's the real power. That's where everything starts."

The comment section exploded.

"He talks like he's 25."

"We're witnessing a future Ballon d'Or winner."

Nike and Puma Call

The club's media director pulled him aside after training.

"We've had contact from Puma. They're interested in a youth endorsement pathway.

And Nike — they asked if he'd consider attending their winter boot showcase in London."

Maldini stood nearby. Calm. Measured.

"Not yet," he said quietly. "Let him breathe."

Enzo wasn't in a rush. He didn't need flashy deals. Not now. He still wore classic black Tiempos. The boots he had worn since he was ten.

A Walk With Leão

That evening, after dinner at the training ground, Enzo walked the empty practice pitch. Floodlights still burned. He found Leão sitting on the bench, headphones around his neck.

"You did well," Leão said without looking.

"Thanks."

"You know what happens next?"

"What?"

"They'll expect magic every time."

Enzo nodded. "I'm ready."

Leão chuckled. "That's what I said too. But sometimes, you'll miss. A shot. A pass. A step. And when you do… they'll forget everything good. Just remember who you are before all this started."

They sat in silence.

"Was it ever hard for you?" Enzo asked.

Leão looked toward the dark sky. "Every day. But I dance with it."

Enzo smiled. That's why they got along.

The Call

Later that night, Coach Abate knocked on Enzo's door. "You have five minutes?"

Enzo nodded, curious.

They sat on the edge of the hallway bench.

The hallway was quiet, except for the hum of vending machines.

"You've been called up," Abate said.

"To what?"

"Italy U18s."

Enzo blinked.

"You'll report next month. The manager says he's never seen footwork like yours. He said, 'He plays like he knows something the rest of us don't.'"

Enzo swallowed hard. "I… I'm 15."

Abate clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"Exactly."

Later that night he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. No phone. No lights. Just the hum of the Milan night outside.

He had played the derby.

Faced the spotlight.

Earned the call.

Talked to Leão.

And still…

He felt the same fire in his chest.

Not satisfied. Not even close.

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