January 12th, 2031 - Ethan's 30th Birthday
Ethan woke on his thirtieth birthday to Lucas jumping on the bed.
"DADA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
"Thank you, mijo," Ethan mumbled, still half-asleep.
"You're old now! Mama said you're thirty!"
"I'm not that old."
"That's SO old! That's like... a hundred!"
Sofia laughed from the doorway. "Happy birthday, old man."
"You're both fired."
They spent the morning together. Breakfast. Opening cards Lucas had made (crayon drawings of Ethan playing football). Simple pleasures.
But Ethan's mind was elsewhere. Today was the day. The announcement.
At 2 PM, Barcelona had scheduled a press conference. Ethan would announce his retirement, effective at the end of the season.
He'd informed Xavi last week. Xavi had understood completely.
"You've given everything to this club," Xavi had said. "Twelve years. Ten Champions Leagues. Multiple titles. You've earned the right to retire on your terms."
Now the world would know.
2:00 PM - Camp Nou Press Conference
The press room was packed. Over 200 journalists. Cameras from every major outlet. Something big was happening.
Ethan walked in wearing a Barcelona suit, flanked by Xavi and club president Joan Laporta. The room fell silent.
Laporta spoke first:
"Thank you all for coming. Today, Ethan Loki has an important announcement to make. Ethan?"
Ethan took a deep breath. He'd prepared remarks but also wanted to speak from the heart.
"Thank you. I'll get straight to it. At the end of this season, I will retire from professional football."
Gasps filled the room. Cameras flashed. Journalists frantically typed.
"I'm thirty years old today. I've played professionally since I was sixteen—fourteen years at the highest level. I've won everything there is to win. Three World Cups. Ten Champions Leagues. Eight Ballon d'Ors. Countless other trophies.
"But more importantly, I have a three-year-old son who wants his father around more. I have a wife who's supported me unconditionally for years. And I have a life beyond football that I want to explore.
"This wasn't an easy decision, but it's the right one. I'm not retiring because I can't compete anymore—physically, I feel great. I'm retiring because I'm choosing family. I'm choosing to be present for the people I love.
"I'm grateful to Monaco, where it all started. I'm grateful to Barcelona, who gave me twelve incredible years. I'm grateful to France, who allowed me to represent my country with pride. And I'm grateful to every teammate, coach, and fan who's been part of this journey.
"I have six months left. One more La Liga season. One more Champions League campaign. One more Copa del Rey. I'm going to give everything I have to finish on top. Then I'll walk away with my head held high.
"Thank you."
The room erupted with questions.
"Ethan, why retire at thirty? You could play for five more years!"
"I could. But I don't want to. I've achieved everything. Now I want to be a father and husband. That's more important than adding more trophies to the collection."
"Will you regret not playing longer?"
"No. I'm at peace with this. I've thought about it for two years. This is the right time."
"What will you do after retirement?"
"Spend time with family. Maybe coach someday. Maybe not. Right now, I just want to be present for my son's childhood."
"You're currently at eight Ballon d'Ors. If you played longer, you could win nine or ten. Doesn't that tempt you?"
"Eight is enough. If I win nine this year, great. But I'm not chasing records anymore. I'm chasing happiness."
"One final question—what's your legacy?"
Ethan paused, considering the question carefully.
"I hope my legacy is more than trophies. I hope it's showing young players that you can be elite without sacrificing character. That you can win with humility. That you can be a great player and a great person. And most importantly, that football is beautiful, but family is everything."
The press conference ended. Ethan shook hands with Laporta and Xavi, then left.
Outside, he checked his phone. It had exploded.
Thousands of messages. Social media trending worldwide. #ThankYouLoki. #Legend. #GOAT.
The football world was reacting.
Global Reactions
Messi (Instagram): "Congratulations on an incredible career, Ethan. Three World Cups, ten Champions Leagues, eight Ballon d'Ors. You've redefined greatness. Enjoy retirement with your family. You've earned it. 👏🐐"
Ronaldo (Twitter): "Respect to @EthanLoki for an amazing career. We pushed each other to be better. Enjoy the next chapter. 🙌"
Mbappé (Instagram story): "My brother. My captain. My friend. Thanks for everything. Enjoy retirement. You deserve it. 🇫🇷👑"
Neymar (Instagram): "Legend. Enjoy time with your family, my friend. You were the best. 🙏⚽"
Deschamps (Press statement): "Ethan Loki is the greatest French player of all time. Three World Cups. A true leader. France is grateful for his service."
Xavi (Press conference): "Losing Ethan is devastating for Barcelona, but I understand completely. He's given us everything. Now he deserves to give everything to his family. We'll give him the farewell he deserves."
L'Équipe Headline: "THE END OF AN ERA: Ethan Loki Announces Retirement at 30"
Marca Headline: "Loki Retires: 3 World Cups, 10 Champions Leagues, 8 Ballon d'Ors"
Sport Headline: "Barça Legend Calls It Quits: Ethan's Emotional Farewell"
The outpouring was overwhelming. Respect from rivals. Love from teammates. Gratitude from fans.
That Evening - Home
Ethan returned home exhausted. The press conference had drained him emotionally.
Sofia was waiting with Lucas.
"Dada! I saw you on TV!" Lucas said.
"You did?"
"Yes! Mama showed me! You said you're gonna stop playing football!"
"That's right, mijo. After this season, I'm done. Then I'll be home with you all the time."
"Every day?"
"Every day."
Lucas threw his arms around Ethan's neck. "I'm so happy! Now you can play dinosaurs with me always!"
Ethan held his son tight, tears forming. This—this moment—was why he was retiring.
Later, after Lucas was asleep, Ethan and Sofia sat together.
"How do you feel?" she asked.
"Relieved. The secret's out. No more hiding it. Now I can just focus on finishing strong."
"The reactions have been beautiful. Everyone respects your decision."
"Most people. There are some saying I'm retiring too early, that I'm wasting my talent. But that's okay. I'm not making this decision for them."
"You're making it for Lucas. And for us."
"Exactly."
"I'm proud of you. This takes courage—walking away at thirty when you could play until thirty-five or longer."
"It's not courage. It's clarity. I know what matters most."
They sat in comfortable silence, processing the magnitude of the day.
Ethan Loki had announced his retirement. In six months, one of the greatest careers in football history would be over.
January 15th, 2031 - Back to Training
Training resumed after the announcement. The atmosphere was emotional but focused.
Teammates approached Ethan throughout the session, expressing their feelings:
Pedri: "Thanks for everything, capitán. You've taught me so much. These last six months, I'm going to soak up every lesson."
Gavi: "You've been my role model since I was a kid. I'm going to miss playing with you."
Endrick: "I'm grateful I got to play alongside you, even if just for two years. You've made me a better player."
Koundé: "Let's win everything this season. Give you the perfect send-off."
Xavi gathered the team after training:
"Ethan has announced his retirement. We all know what he means to this club. Ten Champions Leagues. Countless titles. But more than that, he's been a leader. A role model. A legend.
"These next six months, we play for him. We win for him. We give him the farewell he deserves. Understood?"
"SÍ, MÍSTER!"
The squad was motivated. They wanted to send Ethan out on top.
January 2031 - La Liga Continues
Barcelona's league form remained strong. They were currently second, two points behind Real Madrid.
January 18th - Barcelona 4-0 Espanyol
Ethan scored twice in the Catalan derby. The Camp Nou crowd chanted his name throughout the match.
"LOKI! LOKI! LOKI!"
Every touch received applause. Every successful pass cheered. The fans were savoring every moment.
January 25th - Real Sociedad 1-3 Barcelona
Another away victory. Ethan scored once and assisted twice. Barcelona moved level with Real Madrid on points.
February 1st - Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid (El Clásico)
The biggest match of the season so far. Camp Nou was electric.
Ethan scored both goals—one in each half. The second was a brilliant solo effort, dribbling past three defenders before curling it into the top corner.
The stadium erupted. This might be Ethan's final El Clásico goal at home. The fans gave him a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 85th minute.
Barcelona now led La Liga by three points. The title race was alive.
February 2031 - Champions League Knockout Rounds
Barcelona had finished top of their Champions League group. They'd been drawn against Manchester City in the Round of 16.
A tough draw. Pep Guardiola's City were favorites to win the tournament.
February 18th - Manchester City 2-3 Barcelona (R16, First Leg)
At the Etihad, Barcelona produced a stunning performance.
12th minute: Ethan opened the scoring. Pedri's through ball split the defense. Ethan rounded Ederson and finished. 0-1.
28th minute: City equalized. Haaland powered a header past Ter Stegen. 1-1.
41st minute: Ethan restored Barcelona's lead. A brilliant free kick from twenty-five yards, curling into the top corner. 1-2.
67th minute: City equalized again. Foden finished a quick counter. 2-2.
83rd minute: The winner. Ethan received the ball on the edge of the box, turned, and played a perfect through ball to Endrick. The Brazilian finished clinically. 2-3.
Barcelona had a crucial away victory. One foot in the quarterfinals.
March 11th - Barcelona 2-0 Manchester City (R16, Second Leg, 5-2 aggregate)
At Camp Nou, Barcelona controlled the match completely.
19th minute: Gavi scored from Ethan's assist. 1-0.
76th minute: Ethan sealed it with a composed finish. 2-0.
Barcelona were through to the Champions League quarterfinals. Ethan's final Champions League run was alive.
March 2031 - Life at Home
Despite the intensity of the season, Ethan remained committed to being present at home.
He attended every one of Lucas's preschool events—parent-teacher conferences, school plays, field trips.
One evening, Lucas's preschool held a "Career Day" where parents talked about their jobs. Ethan attended.
He sat in a tiny chair surrounded by three-year-olds, explaining what a footballer does.
"So you play games for your job?" one kid asked.
"Yes, basically."
"That sounds fun!"
"It is fun. But it's also hard work. Lots of training. Lots of traveling."
"Do you win?"
"Sometimes. Not always. But I try my best."
Lucas beamed with pride throughout the presentation. "That's my dada!"
After, the teacher approached Ethan: "Thank you for coming. Lucas talks about you constantly. He's so proud."
"I'm the proud one. He's an amazing kid."
"He is. You've raised him well."
Ethan thought about that comment all evening. You've raised him well. That meant more than any football trophy.
April 2031 - Champions League Quarterfinal: Barcelona vs Bayern Munich
The quarterfinal draw paired Barcelona against Bayern Munich. Again.
These two teams had faced each other countless times over the past decade. Barcelona usually came out on top.
April 8th - Barcelona 3-1 Bayern Munich (QF, First Leg)
At Camp Nou, Barcelona dominated.
15th minute: Ethan opened the scoring with a typical poacher's goal. 1-0.
34th minute: Bayern equalized. Sané finished a counter-attack. 1-1.
58th minute: Ethan restored the lead. A brilliant individual goal—receiving the ball at midfield, driving forward, and curling it past Neuer from twenty yards. 2-1.
82nd minute: Pedri sealed it with a third. 3-1.
Barcelona had a commanding advantage heading to Munich.
April 22nd - Bayern Munich 1-1 Barcelona (QF, Second Leg, 2-4 aggregate)
Bayern pushed hard at the Allianz Arena, but Barcelona's defense held firm.
68th minute: Ethan scored Barcelona's away goal with a clinical finish. 0-1.
85th minute: Bayern pulled one back, but it wasn't enough. 1-1.
Barcelona were through to the semifinals. Two matches away from the final.
April 2031 - La Liga Title Race
The La Liga title race intensified. Barcelona and Real Madrid were level on points with six matches remaining.
April 12th - Barcelona 3-0 Valencia
Ethan scored twice. Barcelona maintained pressure on Madrid.
April 26th - Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona
A tough away match. Ethan scored the winner in the 88th minute. Crucial three points.
May 3rd - Barcelona 4-1 Atletico Madrid
Dominant performance. Ethan scored a hat-trick. His farewell season was special.
After the match, Atlético's players gave Ethan a guard of honor as he left the pitch. A sign of respect from rivals.
Diego Simeone shook Ethan's hand: "Legend. Absolute legend. Good luck in the final matches."
May 2031 - Champions League Semifinal: Barcelona vs Liverpool
The semifinal draw: Barcelona vs Liverpool. Two European giants. Two historic clubs.
May 7th - Barcelona 2-1 Liverpool (SF, First Leg)
At Camp Nou, the atmosphere was electric. This could be Ethan's final Champions League match at home.
23rd minute: Liverpool took the lead. Salah finished a quick counter. 0-1.
The Camp Nou fell silent. Not the start Barcelona wanted.
44th minute: Just before halftime, Ethan equalized. Pedri's cross found him at the back post. Header. 1-1.
79th minute: The winner. Ethan received the ball on the edge of the box, turned brilliantly past Van Dijk, and curled it past Alisson into the bottom corner.
2-1.
The stadium exploded. Ethan ran to the corner flag, arms outstretched, soaking in the moment.
This might be his last Champions League goal at Camp Nou. The fans gave him a five-minute standing ovation when he was substituted in the 87th minute.
He walked slowly around the pitch, applauding every section. Tears in his eyes. The fans chanting:
"LOKI! LOKI! LOKI!"
It was a goodbye. A thank you. A celebration.
May 21st - Liverpool 2-3 Barcelona (SF, Second Leg, 3-5 aggregate)
At Anfield, Liverpool pushed desperately. The atmosphere was hostile but thrilling.
11th minute: Liverpool scored. Díaz header. 1-0.
34th minute: Ethan equalized with a composed finish. 1-1.
52nd minute: Liverpool regained the lead. Núñez goal. 2-1.
68th minute: Endrick equalized from Ethan's assist. 2-2.
81st minute: The decisive goal. Ethan played a perfect through ball to Gavi, who finished clinically. 2-3.
Barcelona held on. They were through to the Champions League final.
Ethan's eleventh Champions League final. Potentially his last.
The final would be played on June 6th in Munich. Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain.
One more match. One more chance at glory.
May 17th, 2031 - La Liga Final Day
The La Liga title race went down to the final day. Barcelona and Real Madrid were level on points.
Barcelona needed to match or better Madrid's result to win the title.
Barcelona vs Real Betis (Home)Real Madrid vs Cádiz (Away)
Both matches kicked off simultaneously.
At Camp Nou, the tension was palpable. This could be Ethan's final La Liga match at home.
18th minute: Ethan scored. A brilliant curling shot from outside the box. 1-0.
42nd minute: Gavi doubled the lead. 2-0.
Halftime: Barcelona 2-0 Betis. Real Madrid 1-0 Cádiz.
Barcelona were winning the title on goal difference.
67th minute: Ethan scored again. His second of the match. 3-0.
85th minute: News came through—Real Madrid had scored again. 2-0 against Cádiz.
Barcelona still led on goal difference.
90+3 minutes: Full time. Barcelona 3-0 Real Betis. Real Madrid 2-0 Cádiz.
BARCELONA WERE LA LIGA CHAMPIONS.
The stadium erupted. Players collapsed in celebration. Ethan stood at midfield, arms raised, tears streaming down his face.
His final La Liga title. His twelfth with Barcelona.
The trophy presentation was emotional. Ethan lifted it as captain, surrounded by teammates.
"CAMPEONES! CAMPEONES! OLÉ OLÉ OLÉ!"
In his post-match interview, Ethan was asked about winning in his final season:
"It's perfect. I came to Barcelona to win trophies. To leave with one more La Liga title—my twelfth—is special. This club gave me everything. I'm grateful."
"One more match left. The Champions League final. How are you feeling?"
Ethan smiled, exhausted but content.
"Ready. One more final. One more chance to win. Let's make it eleven Champions Leagues."
End of Chapter 90