Leon lay on the hallowed turf of Stamford Bridge, tears of pure joy and immense relief streaming down his face. The final whistle had blown, confirming Aston Villa's 2-1 victory over Chelsea, a win that had secured their place in the Champions League. The roar of the Villa fans, though a small pocket in the vast stadium, was deafening, a triumphant chant of "VILLA! VILLA! CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!"

He slowly pushed himself up. He looked out at the sea of faces in the stands, the cheering, the smiling, the ecstatic fans. He saw their joy, their disbelief, their hope.

A fleeting, almost painful memory flashed in his mind: his first life, the injury that had ended his football dreams, the crushing despair. He remembered the feeling of helplessness, of his body betraying him.

He looked down at his legs, strong and capable now, and a small, private laugh escaped him. He, Leon Fischer, at just sixteen, was a world-renowned player. The contrast was stark, almost comical.

His teammates swarmed him, pulling him into hugs, ruffling his hair. John McGinn clapped him on the back. "We did it, Leo! We actually did it! Champions League!"

Ollie Watkins (Current: 86), his face split in a wide grin, just shook his head. "I'm still trying to figure out that assist, mate. You're a wizard, I swear!"

The dressing room was a scene of pure, unadulterated euphoria. Music blared, water bottles were sprayed, and players danced, sang, and hugged. The tension of the entire season, the pressure of the last few weeks, had finally burst.

"Can you believe it, Tyrone?" Ezri Konsa (Current: 84) yelled over the music, grabbing Tyrone Mings (Current: 83) in a celebratory embrace. "Champions League! We're actually going to be in the Champions League!"

Mings, usually stoic, was grinning from ear to ear. "I told you, Ez! I told you we had the quality! And with Leon in midfield... anything's possible!"

Douglas Luiz (Current: 85) was laughing, wiping sweat from his brow. "My legs are dead, but my heart is full! What a game! What a season!"

Alex Turner (Current: 81), who had watched from the bench, rushed over to Leon, his eyes wide with awe. "Leon! That was the most incredible thing I've ever seen! Your goal, that assist... you're a legend!"

Leon, exhausted but beaming, just nodded, accepting their praise. He felt a deep sense of connection with every single one of them. They had fought together, bled together, and now, they were celebrating together.

The post-match press conference was a whirlwind. Coach Emery, looking tired but incredibly proud, answered questions with a triumphant smile. Then, it was Leon's turn.

The room, packed with reporters, buzzed with anticipation. Flashbulbs popped, microphones were thrust towards him.

"Leon, congratulations on an absolutely phenomenal season and a truly historic win today!" a reporter began, her voice filled with excitement. "You've led Aston Villa to the Champions League, you're the Premier League's top assist provider. There's a lot of talk, a lot of rumors, about you being one of the most sought-after players in the world. Specifically, there's been strong speculation about Real Madrid. Can you comment on these transfer rumors? Is Real Madrid a club you would consider joining?"

Leon took a deep breath. He knew this question was coming. The Real Madrid rumors had been swirling for weeks, intensifying after his performance against City. He looked out at the sea of eager faces, then allowed a small, knowing smile to touch his lips.

"Real Madrid is, without a doubt, one of the biggest clubs in the world," Leon said, his voice calm and clear. "A club with incredible history, incredible players, and a fantastic manager." He paused, letting the words hang in the air, knowing they would be dissected by every sports analyst.

"Any player would be honored to be linked with a club of that stature."

He continued, choosing his words carefully. "For now, my focus has been entirely on Aston Villa, on securing Champions League football for this club. And we've achieved that. I'm incredibly proud of what we've done here, and the journey we've been on. But in football, you never know what the future holds." He met the reporter's gaze directly.

"If a club like Real Madrid were to genuinely show interest, and if they were to make an official approach, then... we will see. It's a big club, and if they want me, then I will go."

A gasp rippled through the press conference. "We will see." "If they want me, then I will go." It wasn't a definitive "yes," but it certainly wasn't a "no." It was an open door, a clear acknowledgment of the rumors. The reporters immediately started scribbling notes, their faces alight with the breaking news.

Leon, having delivered his carefully crafted statement, was then quickly ushered out by the club's press officer. As he walked out of the stadium, a huge crowd of fans had gathered, cheering. He gave them a wave, a grateful smile, and quickly got into the waiting car.

The car pulled away, leaving the roaring crowd behind. Leon leaned back in the seat, the adrenaline slowly fading, replaced by a quiet hum of satisfaction and a whirlwind of thoughts. Real Madrid. He had actually said it. The biggest club in the world. The thought was exhilarating, terrifying. He pictured Emre Demir (Current: 86) there, Jude Bellingham (Current: 89), Kylian Mbappé (Current: 91).

Could he really play alongside them? Compete at that level?

He pulled out his phone, his thumb hovering over his mom's contact. He had promised her Champions League football. He had delivered. And now...

He dialed her number. She answered almost immediately, her voice bubbling with excitement.

"Leon! My boy! Champions League! I'm so proud!"

Leon smiled, a warmth spreading through him. "Thanks, Mom. Listen... I have a question for you."

"Yes, dear?"

"Do you want to go to Japan?" Leon asked, a mischievous glint in his eye, remembering his earlier half-joking thought. "The Champions League final. Real Madrid versus Bayern Munich. Next month. I think we should go."

There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line. Then, a gasp. "Japan?! Leon! Are you serious?! yes!" Her 'Current' rating, Leon could almost feel it, exploded with pure, unadulterated joy.

Leon chuckled, a deep sense of contentment settling over him