God Of football-Chapter 459: Champions League Nights

When she noticed Izan's eyes on her, she grinned playfully.

"You know, if you keep staring at me, you might get late for training after you drop me off."

Izan chuckled, nodding as he reached for the keys to the apartment.

"I'm not planning to?"

Olivia touched her chest, a surprised expression drawn on her face like she had been wronged but Izan didn't indulge her.

With a smirk, he opened the door and stepped into the hallway, gesturing for Olivia to follow.

"What a heartless boyfriend," Olivia said as she followed.

"I can't help it. Those tricks don't work on me anymore."

"Arrogant much?" she teased, walking out behind him.

They reached the car, a sleek black car, Mercedes this time, waiting in front of the apartment complex.

The driver, already in position, gave them a courteous nod as Izan opened the door, gesturing for Olivia to get in before he followed.

The car pulled away smoothly from the curb, its engine purring as they navigated the quiet streets of London.

Izan looked out the window, the early morning stillness stretching ahead.

His mind briefly wandered to the match—his first European match at the club level, his first real test in the Champions League.

Silence filled the car, most of the way to King's until the car pulled to a stop at the entrance.

Olivia opened the door to get out at first but then closed the door and sat back down.

"Why, missing me already?," Izan said with a grin as he grabbed Olivia's hand.

She just smiled at Izan and then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, a playful tap on his shoulder following that.

"Go get them," she said before finally getting out.

⸻

Arriving at Colney felt like a step closer to what Izan had been working toward for years.

It was still early, but the atmosphere around the training complex was already electric, the air filled with the buzz of players arriving and the soft thrum of staff getting things ready.

Izan stepped out of the car and stretched, taking in the familiar scent of the fresh grass and the hint of morning dew.

The car's engine cut off behind him as he adjusted his bag and walked toward the entrance.

The first few players were already making their way to the field, chatting casually as they passed him.

Some waved, others gave him the nod of acknowledgment, but Izan was already moving into his own headspace.

Today was going to be intense. Arsenal's first Champions League match in the new format was just days away, and it would be his first taste of European football at the club level.

A few staff members greeted him as he passed, the occasional "Good mornings" met with quiet nods and smiles from him.

As he entered the locker room, he was met by the familiar faces of his teammates. Bukayo Saka, as usual, was first to greet him.

"You ready for your first UCL game? Gonna be a fun one tonight," Saka said with a grin, slinging an arm around his shoulder.

"Of course. Just another day," Izan responded, keeping the tone casual as he slid into his seat and began changing into his training kit.

Saka raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.

"I swear, you're the only one who can look like a robot and still play with so much heart."

Izan smirked. "It's a gift."

Their banter was interrupted by Mikel Arteta, who walked into the room with his usual calm but commanding presence.

The room quieted instantly as Arteta began giving instructions.

"Alright, lads. Big couple of days ahead of us. We've got Atalanta coming up next and it's crucial we start this new UCL campaign with a win."

"Everyone keep your heads in the game. This is the big leagues now," Arteta's voice rang out as he paced back and forth in front of the players.

.....…

The sun was dipping lower by the time Izan stepped through the door of their apartment, duffel bag slung over one shoulder, hair damp from a post-training rinse.

His legs were still carrying a quiet buzz from the drills at Colney, but more than anything, he was ready to sink into the evening.

From the kitchen, the scent of something buttery hit his nose.

"You're back," Olivia called, voice warm as she peeked around the fridge door.

She was in one of his oversized hoodies again, socks sliding on the wood floor.

"Obviously," he smirked, dropping his bag by the entrance.

"Miss me already?"

Olivia didn't answer with words. She walked up and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him with a soft squeeze that lingered.

"I hate training days sometimes. Feels like half the day's gone without you."

Izan ran his fingers through her hair, letting his lips brush the top of her head.

"That's because you're clingy."

She looked up. "You love it."

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He laughed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I didn't say I didn't."

They stayed there for a moment, wrapped in that quiet bubble of closeness, before Olivia finally let go—reluctantly—and padded back toward the stove.

"You hungry?"

"I could eat," he replied, peeling off his hoodie as he followed her.

"But first I need to pack. We fly out in the morning."

At that, Olivia paused, wooden spoon in hand. "Morning?"

"Yeah, early. They want us in Bergamo by midday."

"But you could do it after we eat," Olivia said as she walked towards Izan.

"Nope. You'd want us to cuddle and kiss at that time" he said picking up the small bag he used for traveling.

Olivia rolled her eyes at his words before her brows knitted.

"Wait, three days?"

Izan nodded. "Two nights. Back Friday night, latest."

"No," she said flatly, folding her arms like a stubborn kid.

"Nope. That's too long."

He chuckled and leaned against the counter. "Liv…"

"I'm serious," she said, coming up to him again and gripping his arm.

"You've been with me almost every day these past weeks. Now I'm supposed to just… lie on the couch and not go mad while you're out there, across a continent?"

He raised a brow. "You could always come."

"With what? The imaginary press pass Arsenal mailed you?" she shot back, then sighed and leaned into him, arms slipping around his waist again.

"I just got used to having you around, that's all."

Izan kissed the top of her head again, holding her tighter this time.

"It's just 2 nights"

"I know," she murmured, resting her chin on his chest. "But I'm allowed to hate it, right?"

He nodded, brushing a finger beneath her jaw so she'd look up.

"Course you are. I'll FaceTime you the second we land."

"You better," she said, then narrowed her eyes. "And no forgetting like last time. You owe me one missed call already."

"Okay, okay," he laughed. "Let me go pack before you chain me to the counter."

She let him go—but not without one final pull on his sleeve as he moved, and a look that clearly said I'm not done clinging yet.

Izan disappeared into the bedroom, dragging his suitcase out from the closet and methodically folding up the kit pieces he'd laid aside after training.

From the hallway, he could still hear the faint clatter of Olivia finishing dinner and the TV murmuring something about Champions League coverage.

Once the suitcase was upright by the door, Izan went into the kitchen where the food was waiting—simple, warm, and filling.

Pasta tossed with garlic butter and grilled chicken, nothing fancy but exactly what he needed before a flight and team meal the next day.

They sat close at the small table, legs brushing beneath as they talked quietly between bites, about anything but football for once.

It wasn't until they were done and clearing plates that the silence crept in again.

"I'll miss you," Olivia said softly, drying her hands on a towel.

Izan reached for her waist, pulling her in close with a faint smile.

"I'll miss you more."

A/n; Sorry guys. Slept in. First of the day. Have fun reading.