#euro b talk | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

samkerrworshipper · 4 months

Text

never be the same again.

leah williamson x injured!reader

warnings: injury, knee injuries, angst, hurt/comfort

You’d never been a player who’d dealt with minor injuries. You never struggled with soreness, or cramps, or little niggles that kept you sidelined every once in a while. When your injuries came, they came full force, full out, full throttle. You figured that it was probably how your body worked, it all got pent up until you suffered a shattering injury.

When you were 16, it had been the complete rupture of all of your lateral ankle ligaments. When you were 19, it had been a compound fracture in your arm caused by a dutch U20’s player putting their studs through your arm. At 22 it had been a torn labrum in your hip.

You figured you were well overdue now at 25, almost 26, having been completely injury free for well over three years, you just hadn’t expected it to be so bad.

It was a normal day, or as normal as a day for you could get.

You’d woken up with sleep in your eyes and your hair splayed out everywhere, in a similar state to your girlfriend laying beside you. Your morning had been peaceful, the two of you simply co existing as you went about your usual routines, the both of you enjoying the normality of it all.

You’d driven the two of you to training, your hands creasing against the leather of the wheel as you navigated your way through North London.

Leah hummed along to whatever R&B radio station she’d tuned into for the morning, without failure she always pretended to be interested in whatever news the hosts would talk about, and without failure would forget all about it by lunch time. You entertained her interest anyways in whatever topic that she chose to trivialise for the morning ride, enjoying the way that Leah could talk so passionately about something as mundane as random news.

When you arrived at London Colney the two of you both went separate ways, Leah needing a little bit more of a intensive rehab from the physios after a game weekend. So she walked off in search of the ohysio room, whereas you headed straight towards the gym, knowing that all you needed on a normal day was a bit of a stretch out to get everything feeling activated.

Kyra and Lessi were both in the gym as you walked in, the two slightly younger players tolling out on the mats. You joined them, commenting here and there on whatever they were saying as your other teammates slowly trailed in from the physios or their cars.

Just as you were heading towards the weights, Leah walked in, her body automatically walking to find you, there was no need for the two of you to discuss spotting partners, it was a unspoken rule that the two of you always went together.

You weren’t sure if it was because of the natural competition that was created from the two of you playing opposing positions, or if it was just the competitive nature of your relationship, but Leah and you just pushed each other ten times harder. She had the guts to tell you when you needed to pusb more, when you could do better, and also when you needed to slow down. It was a balance between the two of you, of knowing how far to push the other, but also where the line was.

The two of you alternated with your sets, until you’d both worked through your programs and were ready to head out to the pitch.

You didn’t really get anxiety, but as soon as Leah and yourself walked towards the locker room, in search of your boots and training gear, you got a feeling inside of your stomach that you couldn’t shake. You’d played in champions league semi-finals, euro finals, world cup finals, and never had a single bit of anxiety, but as you fished your boots from your locker and laced them up you just couldn’t shake it.

You figured you were just coming down with something, the flu was going around, you were probably just becoming under the weather. You ignored the way that it spread across the surface of your chest, like there were sets of suction cups all over your stomach and chest.

It was probably nothing, it was most likely nothing.

You kept telling yourself that as Leah grabbed you by the shoulder and walked you out towards the field with the rest of the group, there wasn’t anything different about the day that would make you feel this way, so why should you worry about it.

Training started with normal warm ups, as it always did. The squad darting in and around polea and cones, dribbling through them, and no matter how far you dug yourself into the normality of the routine you were going through, you just couldn’t shake it.

As time went past it got more complex, your group working on shooting whilst the defenders worked off on a pitch to the side and the goalkeepers tried to keep your balls from sailing past them.

It was your bread and butter, the most basic of things you could do, yet it all felt wrong.

Somehow, it felt like you were disconnected from your own body, like you were somehow watching your life from your own perspective.

You continued on, you were probably just getting sick. It wasn’t a often occurrence for you, but when you did it was always bad.

You kept telling yourself that as you transitioned from practice drills to game scenarios. Lia was injured, and Kim was sitting out due to some hamstring soreness, which left you as the main midfielder, not a unwelcome spot but not exactly normal either. You alternated between the attacking mid and a striker/center forward, never really in the defensive side of the midfield though.

With Leah yelling at you from behind and your eyes focusing on Stina and Caitlin in front of you.

With Lotte and Steph as the opposing defence it was hard to know how and where to get to be able to slot the ball into a good position for your attackers.

It’s a lot, the feeling inside of you, everything happening around you.

You don’t normally crack under pressure, and this is probably the least pressured environment you’ve played in your whole entire life, but it feels like for the first time that you just can’t focus.

Leah’s yelling, Jonas is yelling, Stina is yelling, and even though the ball isn’t even at your feet it feels like they’re all yelling at you.

You don’t even have the ball at your feet, yet.

Yet when you push, chasing the ball that Lotte had sent at you down the wing, you twist, and rotate.

All you feel is pain, possibly the worst pain you’ve ever felt.

It feels like you’re lef has been hit by a lighting bolt, and you seriously consider that maybe it had been.

You know though, you’ve seen it happen so many times that you would be a fool to not know what this is. You’re pressed face down on the grass, unmoving, just trying to take it in.

The scent of freshly clipped grass and mud floods your senses. A hand sets itself down on your shoulder and you know your done, that this isn’t some sick dream, you are well and truly fucked.

As if your knee still radiating the worst pain you’ve ever experienced isn’t enough.

“Someone get the physios.”

You hear it yelled out about a hundred times, although none of it really gets absorbed in your brain, you’re in to much pain to think, let alone really absorb the magnitude of what that means.

“Hey mate, we’re going to turn you over okay.”

It’s Caitlin, the anxiety in her voice isn’t missed by you, your aussie teammates hands settling on your shoulders and gently, but quickly, flipping you over.

The sky is grey, and a little bit too bright.

You can’t speak, out of fear that you’ll start sobbing if you do, you don’t want to cry, even if it feels like your leg is actively being chopped off.

You keep your eyes clamped shut, unable to look at the faces of your peers that have crowded above you.

“Babe, talk to me, what’s wrong?”

You keep your mouth clamped shut, you can’t deal with Leah. She’s just gotten over her injury properly, she’s recovered, and yet here you are, in the same position she was just over a year ago.

“Everybody clear away, give her some space. For fucks sakes, somebody go find Rose or Gary.”

At the sound of your captains scottish voice, the crowd slowly started to breakaway, the sound of boots scuffing against the grass beside you slowly petering off.

You kept your eyes screwed shut, for your own safety.

You can’t move your leg, you try to wiggle your toes but even the attempt at getting your nerves to stimulate puts you in a whole other world of pain.

It’s too much pain.

So much pain.

Worse than you could have imagined.

“Babe, I need you to talk to me, what hurts?”

Leah’s voice, Leah’s slightly stressed voice.

“My knee, my fucking knee.”

The air that hits your lungs is cold as your mouth opens to reiterate what you’re going through. It forces you to breathe, to take a big deep breath and inhale.

You pull the neck of your singlet to your mouth within seconds, biting down on the material to stop any of the sounds of pain escaping.

You open your eyes, and you see the fear on Leah’s face, she knows, just as well as you know, exactly what is going on.

Just as she looks like she’s about to say more, the doctor and the physio crouch down beside you.

“Knee?”

All you did was nod your head, trying your very hardest to not start actually sobbing, even though there were tears dripping down your face.

“Alright, can you wiggle your toes for me?”

You tried your very hardest to try and move your foot, even just a centimetre, but you just couldn’t.

The doctor seemed to notice your aggravation, and shook his head.

“Alright, we’re going to get your leg stabilised and then get you onto the stretcher. We’ll assess in the locker room.”

You couldn’t do anything but keep your head on the grass, pointed at the sky, avoiding everything and anything that came into your line of sight.

You knew it was bad when they tried to push a board underneath your leg and even just that movement hurt more than anything.

You immediately cried out, the t-shirt in your mouth doing absolutely nothing to silence the pure pain that you were expressing.

Everyone around you cringed, normally, acls didn’t hurt this much after a couple of minutes, the initial pain was horrific, but it faded. For you, nothing was fading, and with every passing second it felt like you were closer to losing consciousness due to the sheer amount of agony that was coming from your leg.

The doctors tried to be as quick about it as they could, but it didn’t stop you from screaming as they slid the board completely under your leg and strapped different parts of your leg to the board to keep it still.

You wished you were dead.

Whatever this was, you would rather be dead.

“Alright, we’re going to get you onto the stretcher now, keep going with the deep breaths, we’ll find you some pain relief once we’re inside.”

You nodded your head, you just needed it to be over.

You felt a few people grab different parts of your body, lifting you up before gently setting you down inside of the orange plastic.

They left your knee last, at least three people working to try and lift it into the stretcher, it all hurt though.

You screamed, and you screamed, and you screamed again.

You wouldn’t be surprised if the bloody king could hear you considering how loud you were.

You kept repeating the same word.

Stop.

You just needed it all to stop.

Please, lord, let it all stop.

When you were still in the stretcher, they began to lift you up, six different people taking hold of the stretcher and beginning to walk you back inside.

You couldn’t take your eyes off of Leah, who looked so horrified and mortified that it almost hurt as much as the pain in your knee.

“Lee, make it stop, please, make it stop.”

The pain wasn’t fading, it was everywhere, all over, covering every inch of your body.

“Baby, just take some deep breaths, it’s going to be okay, everything’s going to be alright.”

Even Leah didn’t seem like she believed her own words, she was trying her hardest but you could tell that even she was so unsure about what was happening.

“Leah, please, make it stop.”

Leah looked like she was lost, like she had sbolutely no idea what to do.

“I will baby, I promise, we’re almost inside.”

You shook your head, god you had no words for what this was.

The tears just kept flowing, your vision being clouded by the salty drops that had nowhere to go besides pooling in your eyes.

You were done, whatever this was, you were done, there was no coming back from this.

You closed your eyes again, trying to sink into your own head, trying to make it all disappear.

It worked for a few seconds, before you were jolted in the stretcher as you were brought inside, the pain resettling across your body.

You get placed on top of one of the physio beds, Leah and Kim helping to lift you out of the stretcher and onto the bed, even as you cried and thrashed, begging for it to stop.

For the first time, you got a proper look at your knee, and from the second you laid eyes on it you knee it was bad, your whole knee was swollen up like a balloon and there was a bump just below your knee cap, where all the pain was coming from.

The doctor got to work quickly, sending everybody else out of the room besides the physios as he began to remove your leg from the board and access it.

Somewhere along the way, one of the physios found a green whistle, shoving it into your hands and allowing you to have a smidge of relief as your leg was poked and prodded.

For the most part, it was silent, no noise besides the sound of your tears dripping down your face and the doctor typing up his reports onto his laptop after every test he conducted.

They left your knee on the table, your right lower extremity looking deflated as the doctor turned to finish typing up whatever report he was making.

“I can bring your girlfriend back in, if you’d like?”

You turned to the physio, rose, who looked as deflated as you knee did.

You weren’t really sure if you were ready to face Leah.

“Yes, please.”

Rose nodded and smiled, turning around to walk towards the door, opening it up and allowing Leah to walk in.

She stayed silent, walking over to take the seat beside you, her hand immediately finding yours.

She squeezed, and for a second you thought that maybe it was going to be fine, but then that second passed.

The doctor turned around to face both of you and you just knew, you knew that he was about to ruin your life.

“I’ve just called the surgeon, we’re going to need to get you in for scans and surgery tomorrow. You’ve ruptured your patellar tendon and it looks like you’ve also ruptured your meniscus and acl, I’m sorry.”

All of the oxygen in your lungs had been sucked out, you couldn’t say anything, you couldn’t speak.

You were done, tearing an acl was bad, tearing a meniscus was bad, tearing your patellar tendon was horrible.

Doing them all together, it was pretty much unheard of.

“It’s not a confirmed diagnosis, we’ll need scans but your at risk of dislocating your knee or worse if your patellar is torn, so we need to be urgent about this. How does scans at 8am tomorrow sound, and if it comes back torn then surgery around 12?”

God, this was so much worse than you could have ever imagined.

“Sounds good, thank you doctor.”

Leah’s voice said what it needed, a silent dismissal that you both needed your time.

The doctor smiled and nodded at Leah, before taking his leave, leaving just Leah and you sitting in the room by yourselves.

“Bubba, it’s going to be okay, we’ll figure this out.”

Your career was over, short lived and over.

“Leah, get out.”

You needed a minute, you needed your brain to kick into gear so you could begin to understand this.

“Babe, I did it, Beth did it, Viv did it, Laura did it, you’re going to be fine, we’re going to be fine.”

You shook your head.

“Leah, get the fuck out.”

Your voice was croaky, but you managed to get it to the level of a yell.

Leah’s hand slid out from your own.

“I’m sorry babe, I’m sorry about this, I’m so sorry.”

You shook your head.

“Leah, get out.”

She looked like she was at a mental crossroads, trying to figure out whether she should leave or not, ultimately she made rhe decision to nod her head, walking towards the door, stopping when her hand connected with the handle of the doorknob to send a sad smile your way.

“I’m going to go get our stuff together, I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”

A couple of minutes, that should be enough, right?

The door closed behind Leah and you felt a whole different weight set itself down on your chest.

What were you supposed to do?

Your leg, your knee, was literally folding in on you, everything was over.

You were a starter, a co-captain, for both national and club teams, you weren’t the best, but you were up there, you were one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, and yet now, you were nothing.

You didn’t have anything besides football, football was your life, you’d given up everything for football, yet now, it felt like it was being pulled out from underneath you.

You didn’t know how you were going to survive this.

7 months later

You were being stupid.

You’d been told from the very minute you’d gone into recovery that you weren’t going to play again, simply, your knee wouldn’t ever be able to handle that kind of pressure again.

You didn’t think that you could prove your doctors wrong, but that didn’t mean that you didn’t want to try, you had nothing else to lose.

Leah hadn’t wanted to be an accomplice in your plan, in fact, she’d been quite the opposite, yelling at you as soon as you’d brought the idea up.

You’d lost a lot during your rehab, everything had changed, what you hadn’t lost though, was your ability to manipulate those blue eyes into doing whatever you wanted.

That’s how Leah and yourself had ended up here, the two of you standing on the grass of a local pitch, a ball at your feet.

For the first few months, you’d refused completely to go anywhere near a ball, knowing that football had done this to you.

As the seasons changed though and your life slowly started to come into perspective you changed, your body changed, everything around you changed.

Your life was different, but it wasn’t over. You still had things, you still had something to live for.

Leah looked about as unamused as you thought, you’d dragged her out of the house for your usual evening walk, funnily enough she didn’t even realise the change in route until you found yourselves out the front of the park.

It hadn’t taken a lot of convincing, or less than you’d thought.

You’d been shooting on your own for a couple of weeks, short range, no movement besides the motion. You’d started jogging a month ago, which was about as good as your recovery was going to get.

“C’mon, defend me properly.”

Leah looked at unease, the Euro’s were due to start in a couple of weeks and your fiance was ready to lead the reigning champs to hopefully another win, hopefully.

Leah took a step towards you, still keeping a few feet distance.

“I’m defending you, can you just take a shot so we can leave?”

Leah had been patient, a lot more patient then you’d been during her rehab, she’d dealt with all your dramatics, all the shit you’d put her through.

“Leah, c’mon, defend me properly, I’m not going to collapse.”

Leah looked at you like you were stupid.

She did take a step closer though, her toe pushing the ball towards yours.

“Put a ball past me, put a ball past the best centre-back in the world, go ahead.”

One of the best, you’d been one of the best once upon a time as well.

You looked down at the ball, beginning to dribble it a few steps forward, Leah followed, as you got to the top of the goal square, you knew you needed to cross it over from your right to your left, from your bad leg to your good one.

Knees were stupid.

You managed to cross the ball, but as you lunged off of your bad leg, it all went downhill.

You were on the ground in seconds, your body collapsing.

It wasn’t the same, you kept telling yourself that, that it wasn’t the same pain, it wasn’t the same agony.

Leah’s hands were on you immediately, rolling you over so that you were looking at each other.

“You just had to be a fucking idiot, what hurts, where does it hurt?”

You forced yourself to take a deep breath, before you started laughing.

Leah looked like she was going to strangle you.

“I’m okay Le, just stupid, okay, stupid that I thought that somehow it would all fucking click and that it would all somehow be fine.”

Leah’s face fell, and she collapsed down onto the ground besides you, one of her arms wrapping around your shoulder, bringing you closer to her.

“It sucks, but you need to come to terms with it baby, you have so many options, commentating, journalism, working with the team. I know it’s the end of your dream, and it fucking sucks, but it’s not worth hurting yourself more in the process. You’re my idiot, and I love you, but you need to find something else.”

You hated that you were being forced to find something else, that it wasn’t your choice, it had all just…. happened.

“I know.”

Leah nodded.

“C’mon, let’s get you home.”

2 years later

“Y/n, you’ve got the best perspective on this, what do you think it means for Arsenal to win the league like this?”

You’d watched your wife, win the league, win the triple this year, from the sidelines.

Commentating, reporting, it was all fun, but it wasn’t the same, if anything it was a stab in the heart.

“Well as everyone knows, as a Arsenal homegrown girl, this has been a long time coming, and I couldn’t be more proud of the girls, they’ve had a season of all seasons, I don’t think it could have been a better year for them.”

You looked backwards, at your wife, as the team stood on the stage ready to lift the trophy.

With every bone in your body you wished you were with them, but you couldn’t be.

“And to their captain, what do you think this means?”

You looked at Leah, how happy she looked.

“Well, considering Leah and I have been the same amount of time, put in all of the years and sweat and tears I can’t imagine that this couldn’t be the pinnacle of her career. It’s great to win things with country, but this is fulfillment, winning something like the league is something else because it means that all of the hardwork over a season is done, and you get to relax.”

You struggled to keep the tears at bay.

You wished you could know the true feeling, coaching, commentating, it didn’t do the same, it didn’t have the same kind of meaning behind it.

“Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go and celebrate with my wife. This is y/n williamson signing off, I’ll see you next season.”

You pulled out your in ear and put your microphone back down on the stand, turning around and beginning to walk onto the pitch.

Leah caught your eyes quickly, it wasn’t hard considering the arsenal red suit you were wearing, and the slight staggered limp that you held as you walked towards her.

Leah smiled at you, big and bright.

Your lives weren’t over, in fact they were just beginning.

She hnaded the trophy over to Lia, before walking your way, running towards you and bringing you into her arms immediately.

“There’s my lucky charms.”

She looked down at your stomach and you couldn’t help but slap her.

It was your best kept secret, your career had been ended by your knee, but you’d chosen to start a new life, a better one.

“We wouldn’t have gotten here without you baby, off and on the pitch.”

You kept your blush to a minimum, unable to ignore the fact that the pinkness was rising up your neck.

“Alright softy, go and celebrate with the team, I’ll be here watching.”

Leah pouted, but nodded, pressing a kiss to your forehead before beginning to walk off.

Life wasn’t the same and it wasn’t how you wanted it, but it wasn’t over.

————————————

ngl i hate the end of this but we move

744 notes · View notes

thinkwosolife23 · 11 months

Text

She needs you, Alessia Russo

Today was one of the biggest games, if not the biggest game of the season.

As an Arsenal player, playing Chelsea has to be the most fustrating game to play. More importantly as a defender, you have the task of keeping Sam Kerr quiet. Even with Leah by your side, it can be extremely difficult. Despite being your rival, you have the upmost respect for the Chelsea team and all of there players, they are a talented side but that means they bring out the best in you. But it's got to the point where everyone almost expects Arsenal to lose, like we don't even put up a fight against them.

You've played Chelsea many times over the 3 years you have been at Arsenal, your win ratio isn't exactly ideal. You can count on one hand how many times you've actually beat them.

However, Arsenal have made some big changes and improvements this season. With the new signings and players returning from injury, you were hopefull, really hopefull that you could win,

One of the new signings just happened to be your fiance. You and Alessia had known each other since you were about 13 through the England youth teams.

When you were 18, you had made the venture to move to America to go to University and play for North Carolina Tar Heels. Alessia had also made the move, meaning the two of you became a lot closer. Eventually that lead to a relationship when your were both 19.

In 2020, you signed for Arsenal and Alessia had signed for Manchester United. The distance was difficult for the both of you, it definatly challenged your strength as a couple. But it mad you cherish the time you did have together even more.

You had proposed to Alessia in the iddle of Wembley stadium when you had just won the Euros, you couldn'y have thought of a better time to do it. Thankfully, she said yes.

You were over the moon when your soon to be wife decided to join Arsenal. Obviously, you knew that the choice was difficult for Alessia and you knew how much she loved her United. But you couldn't be happier knowing that for both club and country, you get to play alongside the love of your life. You had the hope that Alessia was exactly what Arsenal needed to beat Chelsea.

Anyways, the Arsenal coach had just arrived at Emirates Stadium.

Before your warm up, you had chance to go onto the field to do the pitch check, to speak with some of the Chelsea players and have time with your own teammates.

After talking to Millie and Lauren, two of your fellow Lionesses, you and Alessia began walking around the pitch looking for your families in the quickly filling stadium.

"How you feeling, love?" You asked Alessia as she began tracing patterns on your hand whilst you were walking along, somethin she usually did when she was nervous.

"I'm good." She told you, her voice not at all convincing.

"C'mon Less, you know you don't have to lie to me."

"I'm just a bit nervous, that's all. It's a big game, there's so much pressure."

"Forget about the nerves, the pressures. I have no doubt that you'll be amazing because you always are. My stargirl."

By now, the two of you had stopped walking around. You had pulled Alessia into a hug, lightly kissing her temple, her head resting in your neck.

"I love you"

"I love you too"

Before long, you were stood in the tunnel waiting for both teams to walk out. You always were last in the line, it became an almost ritual for you now. You and Katie were messing around as usual, laughing at something one of the mascots had said.

Arsenal Starting 11:

GK - M. Zinsberger LB - K. McCabe CB - L. Williamson CB - Y/N. Y/LN RB - S. Catley CDM - L. Walti CM - K. Little (C) LW - C. Foord CF - V. Meidama RW - B. Mead ST - A. Russo

Chelsea Starting 11:

GK - Z. Musovic LB - A. Lawrence CB - M. Bright (C) CB - J. Carter RB - N. Charles CDM - S. Ingle CDM - E. Cuthbert CAM - F. Kirby LW - G. Reiten ST - S. Kerr RW - L. James

The game was fairly even at both ends. You and Leah had an amzing partnership at the back which the Chelsea frontline were currently struggling to get by.

At the other end of the pitch, our fowards were doing a really good job of testing Musovic in goal but nothing had managed to get past her.

Until…

45+2' Alessia Russo Goal (A: Y/N Y/LN)

You had sent a long ball from the halfway line, which managed to go ever the Chelsea back line and reach Alessia who kicked it into the back of the net.

She ran over too you and jumped, wrapping her arms around your neck and her legs around your waist.

In the second half, Chelsea brought a tougher energy. The players were acting way harsher towards the Arsenal players, way harsher than they were in the first half. Their tackles were higher, the shoulder barges were stronger and the shirt pulls were far more occurent.

However, even by the 80th minute, you still were in the lead. You and Leah had made no mistakes at the back, the Chelsea frontline couldn't even get a proper shot off without one of you making the crucial tackle or block.

Leading to this moment. Chelsea had a corner in the 83rd minute due to you blocking a Sam Kerr shot.

At Chelsea, you knew that they either aimed for Sam's head or Millie's. They would always aim for one of them two.

You were currently in the main mix of people in the box. You were glued to Millie's side, doing your upmost to mean that the ball didn't go in the back of the Arsenal net.

Guro's delivery was impeccable, the ball heading straight fo the mix of blue and red in the box.

You jumped up to try and deter the ball when you felt something a lot harder than the ball in the side of your head.

Everyone in the stadium watched as Sam Kerr's Boot connected with the side of your head, sending you limp on the floor.

The Arsenal players in shock when you didn't get back up like you usually did. Play was immediatly stopped when you were face down on the ground, not moving.

Your teamates headed in multiple different directions. Some members of both teams gathered round your unmoving state to give you privacy whilst waiting for the medics. Alessia and Katie headed stright for Sam's direction in an angrily manor, whereas Leah and Steph wher among some wsho where straight by your side.

Leah, slowly and carefully began to roll you over so you were on your back. Players faces screwed up in horror as your face was covered in blood, which was now all over your shirt.

"C'mon Y/N, I need you to wake up now." Leah said, whilst scanning your face to see if there was any sort of response.

Alessia's fustration towards Sam had took her attention, her mind thinking you would be up by now. In the midst of it all, she hadn't noticed how you were still on the ground.

Your eyes slowly flickered open, shocked at the amount of light you were faced with. The pain in the side of your head was unlike anything you had ever felt with.

"Less?" Your voice barely scraped a whisper as all you needed was your lover by your side.

"Give us a minute, love. She's on her way."

Leah darted her eyes to Alessia's direction, to see her still going at Sam, emphisizing her fustrations and anger.

Katie had now noticed your state, realising it was way more serious than anyone had anticipated. And was now trying to help Beth steer Alessia away from Sam. Alessia wasn't ever the type to get in shouting matches but everyone knew that you were each others weak spot.

"Less, stop! You've had your say, now leave it!" Beth's unexpectedly firm voice slightly startled Alessia. Meaning her and Katie could pull her away.

"Alessia, she needs you." Katie's words made her turn around to realise that you were still on the floor, blood dripping from your head, with Leah and the medics by your side.

Alessia made little time in rushing over to your side, guilt swarming her as she let her anger overwhelm her.

"Baby, i'm sorry. I'm here now." Alessia said, taking your hand in hers. Watching on as you drifted in and out of conciousness.

The medics were quick to get you on the stretcher and off the pitch to get you properly treated.

The players and stadium erupted in claps as you were took off the pitch and down into the tunnel, towards the medical room.

There was a significant amount of extra time in the match due to your injury, but the players concentration wasn't on the match anymore. It was on whether or not you were okay.

Alessia couldn't even think straight, let alone play a match. As soon as the final whistle went, Alessia disregarded all the usual expectations of post-match and ran down the tunnel to find where you were.

The confusion flooded Alessia as she approached the medical room. Your laugh could be heard from the outside of the room.

Alessia quickly swung the door open to be met with sight of you on the medical bed with pading and bandages covering the side of your head.

"Oh my, Babe your awake." Alessia said as she saw you, her body instantly relaxed a bit.

"Babe?" Your face crumpled up in confusion and so did Alessia's as your reaction to her wasn't what she expected.

She quickly directed her look to the staff on the room who were fast to reassure her that you were quite dosed up on medication.

"I have a wife, you know." You told her factually, crossing your arms over your chest.

"Ohh do you now?" Alessia had to hold in her laugh, but her eyes also softened at what you had just said.

"Yeah, she's so beautiful. The most beautifulest girl ever."

Alessia did now actually laugh at the word you had just created.

"Can you tell me what your name is? Just so I can go and get your wife, I'm sure she would want to know that your okay." Alessia tried to go along with your words, hoping you'd eventually realise that your fiance was stood in front of you.

"Y/N Russo." You told Alessia confidently.

Alessia eyes watered at your confession but she soon thought that the best thing was to just turn around and show you the back of her shirt.

"So you stole her shirt and now your trying to steal her wife."

"Right, love, listen. I am Alessia. Your my fiance, we're not married yet."

"Ohhhhh." You said, the realisation of your confusion finally hitting you.

Alessia came and sat on the bed next to you. You moved over so she could lay down meaning you could rest your head on her chest. Your hands wrapping tightly around her waist as hers lightly rubbed your back.

"I quite like the sound of Y/N Russo, though."

#woso #woso imagine #woso x reader #woso fanfics #arsenal wfc #arsenal women #awfc #lionesses #alessia russo #leah williamson #engwnt #woso soccer #woso community #engwnt x reader

722 notes · View notes

me-loving-woso · 1 year

Text

Drunken Confessions

Prompt: Alexia Putellas x reader: - “No matter how much time we’ve spent apart, I never stopped loving you.” - “Why are you staring at me?” “Because I think you’re beautiful.”

Today was the day. Not only Alexia made her comeback, but also we also won La Liga undefeated.

You didn’t know which thing to be happier for, you winning your first championship since returning to Barça or your best friend returning to do what she loves the most, but most probably the latter option. You were so proud of her; seeing her again on the pitch and holding the trophy up while everyone cheered for her made your heart swell with joy.

You had known each other since the La Masia days; you were inseparable. Alexia in midfield, you as a striker; you linked up so well that you didn’t need to talk on the pitch, as the other girl already knew what the other was thinking. As soon as Alexia signed for Barcelona, you decided to change air and went to London, specifically at Arsenal; you were a gunner besides being a Barça fan, as Thierry Henry was your idol.

In the beginning, you would talk to her almost every day, as you missed being in each other’s company, you maybe a little more than Alexia. You were in love with her, has always been, so much so that you never moved on from her; you tried and nearly did it, but you couldn’t. She was just it for you. And the fact that you would talk to each other almost every day didn’t help either. Late-night talks kept you awake till midnight, which wasn’t healthy for an athlete, but you didn’t care; you wouldn’t care about anything else if it meant just listening to her voice.

But as months went by, everyday conversations became weekly, which turned into monthly. You initially didn’t think much about it, but then you realized that you needed to move on, so you tried.

“I really don’t think it’s necessary,” You said to Leah as she pointed to a dress.

“Oh, come on, for how long you haven’t been on a date?”

“A, this is not a date, it’s a setup, and B, not that long ago,” you say defensively.

Leah looked at you, tilting her head, “Okay, maybe I haven’t gone on a date in a while, but I am okay with it. I just need to get back to it.”

You tried convincing yourself while taking the dress off Leah’s hands and going to the bathroom to change. Maybe you were ready. You hadn’t seen Alexia in a year; it was time for you to move on.

All changed in Euros 2022 when she got injured; as soon as you heard that she ruptured her ACL, you had to see her, even though you were in a different team; you played for England, and she for Spain. You asked Ona to help you find a way to meet her so nobody could see you. So the breakfast the day before England and Spain would face each other would be the day.

As soon as you saw her, all the intensity of your feelings for her came crashing; she looked older and even more beautiful than before. As your eyes met, she finally stood up with her crutches, and without saying anything, you went to her and hugged her. After a few seconds, which felt like hours, you put your foreheads together, just like you did when you were younger.

“I really missed you,” Alexia whispered as a single tear threatened to fall down from her eye. You couldn’t talk, so you just held her a little tighter, hoping she would understand.

From then on, you decided to win the Euros for her, and you did. You won, scoring the winning goal against Germany, celebrating by putting up on both hands one finger to show 11, something that you would do back in your La Masia days when the midfielder assister you in your goals. That goal was for her.

When Barça called, announcing that Asisat Oshoala would change clubs and wanted you to be their new striker, you didn’t hesitate; your dream was playing with Barça and winning the Champions League. You would miss Arsenal, but you knew this was a step for her to take to become an even better player.

Being back with Alexia was something that you didn’t expect. All your progress trying to forget her went to zero when you saw the midfielder’s smile as she welcomed you back to the training center.

All your teammates would tease how you looked together, especially Keira and Lucy; you guys were inseparable, especially when Alexia came back to train with the team. You would link up so well that anyone was scared to do drills against the two of you. You would score goals and dribble past your opponents just by quickly passing the ball to each other. You knew Alexia wasn’t still 100% fit, but you couldn’t wait for that day.

When that day came, you were ecstatic; she was trying to downplay it, shrugging off your excitement. You were already winning the game, so the only thing that would top it, besides winning La Liga, was if she scored. You tried so hard to make her score, but nothing seemed to work. The game ended 5-2, with you scoring a brace.

As soon as the game finished, you ran to her and hugged her. She held you up until your legs started to dangle. She put you down and gave your one of the biggest smiles you had ever seen, she was back, and that was the only thing that mattered. You put your foreheads together and whispered, “I’m so proud of you.”

She hugged you again, and nuzzling into your neck, she mumbled, “Stop it, you’re going to make me cry.” You chuckled, letting her go when all your team swarmed you to throw Alexia in the air.

After the trophy celebration, the team went into the dressing room, and then they all went home to prepare dinner with the whole club in the evening. The next day you didn��t have practice, so you decided to celebrate even further with a couple of teammates by going to a local club. You, Lucy, and Keira, were getting ready at your house, and you decided to go for something simple, not too revealing, as you only wanted to celebrate the win.

“Do you think Alexia is going to come?” Lucy asks as you are putting on some mascara.

“I don’t know. I told her where it was and when, but I don’t know if she will come.”

“Mapi and Ana Maria are coming too, so maybe she’ll stop by.” Keira remarks.

After a few moments, Lucy added, “You know, I never understood the relationship between you two.” You looked at her through the mirror, with your stomach knotting.

“She’s my best friend.” I shrugged.

“Only that?” Lucy replies suggestively.

“Yes, what are you trying to say?” I answer a little defensively.

“All I’m saying is that the hug you shared today wasn’t that friendly, if you know what I mean.” She jokes.

“You got the hots for her, and she probably does too for you.” Keira remarks.

You roll your eyes, “I’m too sober for this conversation.” Sitting on the side of the bathtub while scrolling through your phone.

“So you are not denying it” Lucy smiles. You gave her a disapproving look while slightly blushing. “You guys would be perfect for each other.” She added.

“I think you should shut up.” You say jokingly.

“Oh my god, now I finally understand why our little striker is always single.” Keira grinned.

“I’m not little, and I don’t like Alexia. She’s way out of my league.” You sigh, standing up.

“So you do like her.” You don’t reply, Lucy laughed. “I fucking knew it.” She added.

“I’m done with this conversation; come downstairs when you guys are finished; I’ll call a taxi.” You go downstairs exasperated.

As they go downstairs, you stand up from the couch and turn to them, slightly hesitating, “So you guys know how I get when I’m drunk.” You tentatively start.

“Oh yeah, you have no filters when you talk.” Keira laughed.

“I remember when we went to the club after we won the Euros, you said to Leah that—“ You interrupted Lucy and rubbed my forehead, “You don’t have to remind me of that.”

“Just please, don’t make me say something stupid; I like it here,” I asked.

When you arrive at the club, you are soon greeted by your other teammates, Mapi and Ingrid, Jana and Bruna, Ana Maria, Patri, and Aitana. There was no Alexia, you knew she probably wouldn’t come, as she didn’t like partying very much, but you still hoped. You soon got dragged by Mapi and Aitana to have some shots while Keira and Lucy still talked to the others.

You were drunk. The problem was that when you are drunk, you don’t have any filters; you say whatever comes to mind; sometimes, it's funny, whereas other times it’s not. Other than that, when sober you are not very touchy. Still, when drunk, you like hugging people and sometimes can get over affectionate. So initially, you were scared that Alexia would come and probably say something you shouldn’t. Still, she wasn’t there, so you indulged in some fun. It was already an hour since you came to the club; you were dancing and singing your heart out to songs you probably didn’t even know the lyrics. As you turn to your friends, you see a new figure approaching them, then you recognize her. Alexia was here. She laughed at something that Mapi said, but you didn’t care. You were just too happy to see her.

You made your way through the crowd to your table, and you jumped in her arms, “Oh my god, you are here!” You say excitedly, slurring a little your words.

“And you are drunk.” She chuckled. She looked at me properly.

“Pfff, me? I definitely am not. See?” You tried walking in a straight line, failing miserably.

“Yeah, I’m taking you home.” She gently grabs your wrist.

“Come on, you just came here; at least dance with me for one song.” She sighed. “Okay, Only one, then I’m taking you home.”

“Alright.” You grabbed her hand and dragged her to the dance floor. She never was a good dancer, but you didn’t care. You were dancing with the most beautiful girl in the club, and you were happy. You looked at her, trying desperately to not make a fool of herself; you just smiled and kept looking at her.

“Why are you staring at me?” She asked shyly. Without thinking, you reply, “Because I think you’re beautiful.” You see her blush at the compliment and give you a shy smile while you just quickly cover your mouth like a little child that said something she shouldn’t.

“You are drunk.” She chuckles again.

“Let me take you home.” She offers.

“You can do whatever you want with me, woman; I’m yours.” You say, retaking her hand as she leads you out of the club.

You get into her car, and she drives. You were sitting in the passenger seat, and you began talking about the most random stuff you could ever imagine.

“Since when are you so chatty?” She grinned, quickly looking at you.

“I don’t want to fall asleep. And talking helps.”

“Just sleep. I’ll wake you when we get to your house.”

“No.” You pouted. “I’m a big girl, I will not sleep.”

“Then go ahead.” You lasted five seconds being silent. Then you continued, “Can I tell you something?”

“Is this some drunken confession you want to make?” She chuckled nervously.

“Well, I probably won’t remember it in the morning, so I guess I’ll say it now, even though I shouldn’t.” You didn’t let her reply when you added. “I just think you are very beautiful, and I have been in love with you for the past eight years, and I can’t stop thinking about you.” She opened her mouth, trying to reply, but you continued again. “And I know that if I were yours, I would try my best to be the best girlfriend ever because you deserve only the best.”

“Y/-“ You interrupt her once again. “And I know that you deserve better than me; that’s why I never said anything; you are amazing, while I’m just me, and you deserve to be with someone who is just as amazing and beautiful as you are because you only deserve the best. And I’m completely fine with it, okay, maybe not that much, but I’ll get it if you don’t want to talk to me anymore after this. I’ll be very sad, but eventually, I’ll move on. I’ll be okay.” You ramble. You let a quick exhale, and then you finally realize that the car has already stopped.

You look at Alexia for the first time after your big speech; you can only see her smile through the street lights outside the car. You react at her loss of words by asking, “I fucked up our friendship didn’t I?” Tears started flowing down your face, and you felt utterly sober for the first time during the night.

She put her hands on your cheeks and rubbed off the tears from your skin, and gave you a sincere smile, “You didn’t fuck up anything. Let’s get you inside; we’ll talk in the morning when you remember what I say.”

You just nod, and as soon as you get inside, she follows you to your room; she helps you clean your teeth by putting her hand on the small of your back in support for your dizzy body.

She helped you to bed, and you held her by the arm as she was about to leave.

“You don’t feel the same way, do you?” You mumbled sadly, nearly asleep. She let out a shaky exhale as her lips curled upwards.

“ I’ve been in love with you since I saw you the first day at training, and no matter how much time we have spent apart, I never stopped loving you. And don’t say you don’t deserve me because you are the most wonderful person I have ever met, and you, too, are also very beautiful.”

“Yes!” You replied very rapidly, showing all of your enthusiasm to her.

“Now go get some sleep, I’ll come by tomorrow, and we can talk then.” She was about to get up, but you stopped her again, “Can I get a hug?” You whispered shyly.

She laughed and sat down on the bed, waiting for you to change position so you could be seated too, and then she held you in a tight embrace, making you feel all fuzzy on the inside. As you removed yourself from the embrace, you put your foreheads together and closed your eyes. After a couple of seconds, she gave you a kiss on your forehead and whispered. “I’ll see you tomorrow, mi amor. Sleep well.”

She closed the lights in your room and shut the door. After a few moments of smiling dumbly at yourself, you finally fall asleep, thinking about the woman who was just here merely a few minutes ago.

#woso imagine #woso fic #woso imagines #woso x reader #alexia putellas #alexia putellas x reader #alexia putellas imagine #alexia putellas one shot #barcelona femeni #barca femeni #espwnt

625 notes · View notes

pedripics · 19 days

Text

Pedri: ‘This season I ask that injuries respect me and that I go for everything’.

(Mundo Deportivo - September 4, 2024)

If Spain won the European Championship he promised to grow a moustache and an interview with Mundo Deportivo. In the summer he fulfilled the first part and last Tuesday at noon, during the first national team break, the second part. Pedri González had an intense summer. A sprained knee left him out of the team in the quarter-finals of the Euro, when he was at his best, but he took a physiotherapist and a physical trainer to Tenerife to work during his holidays with the aim of recovering his best version for the start of the season. And he succeeded. He is being important with Flick, who has given him the baton of the team. The Canarian feels like never before, he is much more liberated, ‘loose’, as he says. Also in interviews, where he speaks clearly and assumes his role as a leader despite still being very young. Being European champion was a confidence boost and now he wants to keep winning: with the national team and, obviously, with Barça, the club of his life.

A man of his word, you told us during the European Championship that if they won you would give us an interview and here you are, delivering.

“Yes, yes, words have to be kept and in the first training camp we've had I've been able to give it to you.”

You also promised a moustache, which didn't last long.

“Yes, I only had it in the summer, now I have a beard and I have to remove it because otherwise my mother gets mad at me.”

Everything is going very fast. It's only been a month and a half since you won the European Championship and so many things have happened.

“Yes, it's true that it seems like a long time ago, but if you look at the short time ago, it's very fresh. But when you achieve something like that it seems like a lot longer ago than it really is.”

You were injured in the quarter-final against Germany, but you stayed with your team-mates until the end and they gave you the victory. What was your feeling?

“When I got injured I told them to try to make me a European champion and they did. It was a pleasure and since they gave me the option of staying in the training camp, it was clear that I had to stay with my team-mates there to try to win the title.”

Were you very scared when you got injured after Kroos' tackle?

“When I felt the pain in my knee I was scared because I had also seen what had happened to Gavi. I had several injuries, they are very hard and thank God I was lucky. It was a small thing compared to what could have been and we are now perfect.”

Then you were getting back to your prime, but you are back to your best from what we're seeing this season. It has however cost you your holidays.

“Yes, especially during the holidays I had a lot of work, I had to recover well to try to get to that first game and in the end I made it. A lot of work with the physio, physical preparation… But well, that's what I had to do.”

What does it mean for a footballer to be a European champion?

“Apart from being a dream for any Spaniard, for me, as I'm still at the beginning of my career, it's a great motivation for what's to come, a lot of confidence and above all, a dream come true.”

I would like to talk about the confidence that comes with it. Do you feel different when you enter a dressing room after winning the European Championship?

“You're still the same person, but it's true that it gives you a lot of confidence. There are a lot of players who retire and don't manage to win it and I think it's a source of pride. We are also the national team with the most players and you can feel that in Spain.”

And now the Nations League, I don't know if after the high of winning the European Championship, it is difficult to adapt to a competition that is considered the smallest of the national team competitions.

“Yes, we were just talking about it a few days ago. Everyone said that it's a minor competition, but at the end of the day you're playing with the best in Europe, who are going to want to win a title and for us, it's an important title. Of course, we want to go and win it and defend it again.”

The coach, Luis de la Fuente, emphasised when he named the squad that they were an insatiable group.

“Yes, above all I think that's the right word. It's true that we won the European Championship, but we want more. It's clear that it's going to be complicated, that nobody is going to give us anything for free, but we have to work to try to live other experiences similar to the ones we had when we won it.”

Now two away games, first Serbia, with a hostile atmosphere, and then Switzerland, who were one of the revelations of the European Championship.

“Yes, they are two difficult teams. Both games are away, which, whether you like it or not, is noticeable. You don't have the affection of your fans, but we're going to go all out. First, we'll go for the Serbia game, give everything and try to get the three points. We want to get off to a good start.”

On a personal level, now that we are back to school, what does Pedri want to be for this season? What is his goal?

“Above all, I'm trying to work hard so that injuries respect me. That's all I ask for this season, and to try to help the team because I think they have strengthened very well. And here in the national team, I will go for everything.”

How important it is for you to have this continuity. You’ve now played four consecutive games, how are you feeling at the start?

“I'm feeling good, very good. Before the European Championship I already said that I had found something that suited me very well. I feel good about the work I'm doing and that really shows. On the pitch, I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this, with this desire.”

We talked about it in the interview at the European Championship, all these new habits make you a very methodical Pedri, a very hard worker.

“Yes, that's right. I think that's what has given me to be at this physical level now and I think that's what I have to do, that's what's good for me. A lot of things that are going to help me to be well throughout the whole season.”

#“I'm trying to work hard so that injuries respect me”#need football to treat him the way he treats football #pedri #pedri gonzalez #spain nt #fc barcelona #*interview

58 notes · View notes

batlleonafc · 1 year

Note

She’s a scab. She only cares about herself and what she can personally gain. She let her “friends” take the fall more than once now so she could get a world cup and continue to push that she’s the best player in the world when in reality she played like absolute dog shit and really that second ballon dor shouldn’t have gone to her in the 1st place. She’s just trying to stay relevant sorry that I’m giving you guys the truth 🤷‍♀️

Welcome to @handmeascalpel's ted talk, I'm your host @batlleonafc buckle up and enjoy the ride

Hello, anon. I've read everything you've mentioned. Do you have any evidence to support your claims? Considering that I'm reading this now, you don't. So, let me present the evidence I have. If you understand after this, great. If not, I can't stop people from forming their own opinions.

Exhibit A:

You said, "she only cares about herself and what she can personally gain."

On September 1, 2022, Alexia tweeted in support of Irene Paredes when the RFEF essentially blamed her for the players' opposition to the federation. Alexia was injured at the time and wasn't even in camp or eligible for a call-up. She was the first to tweet, sparking the revolution against the RFEF.

Ironically, on September 23 of the same year, exactly one year ago, Alexia was the first to post the Las15 statement, stating that the players wanted a "firm commitment for a professional project" and expressing their unhappiness that private conversations with the federation were leaked.

Exhibit B:

You said, "she let her friends take the fall more than once so she could get a World Cup."

As I mentioned earlier, Alexia was injured and therefore ineligible for a call-up. So her statement and email were never considered valid.

Every statement has always been posted by her first because she has a large following. She has consistently spoken out loudly and clearly about the problems. She never let friends take any fall. More proof is attached below.

She went to the World Cup because she was fit and couldn't escape sanctions, in case you forgot about them. I'd like you to tell me how many players who came back from an ACL injury immediately played well, or maybe just give me some names.

#seacabo was started by Alexia, and she took the lead for everything. It's not hard to find this evidence. Regardless of what people like you want to say about her, both on and off the pitch, you can see what kind of person she is.

Exhibit C:

You say, "that second Ballon d'Or shouldn't have gone to her in the first place."

Who do you think should have won it then? I'd be happy to hear your answer.

But since you brought up the Ballon d'Or, let me share a few things:

Official stats from the 2021/22 season:

La Liga Femenina:

- 26 games played.

- 18 goals scored.

- 16 assists.

Copa de la Reina:

- 4 games played.

- 4 goals scored.

- 1 assist.

Supercopa de España:

- 2 games played.

- 1 goal scored.

- 1 assist.

UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL):

- 10 games played.

- 11 goals scored.

- 3 assists.

Regarding the Ballon d'Or voting, she only missed out on 29 days, equivalent to one tournament (the Euros). Nobody came close to her stats, and she's a midfielder. These stats are only for her club. Her national team stats are just as impressive, as she has been crucial in every single match, not just easy ones. She essentially surpassed her own record from the previous season when she won the Ballon d'Or. In short, she deserved it.

There's more to a player than just stats, especially for defenders. But the stats Alexia has as a midfielder are outstanding.

Exhibit D:

Finally, you said, "she's just trying to stay relevant." Sorry to say, but she doesn't have to say anything to stay relevant.

She uses her influential platform to talk about what's true and important, unlike many players. Ramona Bachmann is a good example, and even Athenea, for that matter.

I hope you've learned something today, anon. If not, good luck with your opinion of Alexia. You might just look foolish for hating on her.

Thank you for listening to @handmeascalpel's ted talk I hope you learned something today!

#alexia putellas #she had way too much fun doing this #she's the best

116 notes · View notes

quincyhorst · 8 months

Text

I really enjoy using this blog to share my favorite things from the Inazuma Fandom, and while I'm aware I still owe to talk about the ending of the Ina11 Champions League, I'd like to share something more recent instead.

Back on January 5th, the french fanbase had released its first Ina11 ROM Hack (I SUPPOSE), IE Ultimate. Pretty much a harder version of IE3 from what I've seen. Nonetheless, the moment I saw Pierre on the trailer I was HOOKED. What was that!? A stronger version of Rose Griffon for the story!?

...Turns out it was something more than that: A whole Euro B Team!

These screenshots come from a french Twitch streamer named Rems; I'll be using them to comment about what this team has to offer. The full stream seems to have been deleted unfortunately, but then again it wasn't a big loss. The dude not only sped up hissatsus at any chance, but he kept repeating the match everytime he feels like he's losing (Yes, that happens a lot here). Got boring at times :/

Here's the main team line up.

Because lack of RedoMata players, Slingshot brings up some sort of interesting combinations....

Wait a damn second....

WHAT!!!!!

...Anyways. Because this is a HARD IE3 mod, it means that everybody and their mother had to be buffed, including Ladji :') However instead of boosting his God Catch, they gave him... Maou The Hand? Okay? Not sure how to feel about Ladji abandoning god for the devil...

...Still neat.

Same thing with Fermín, I guess. Apparently they took Stinger from him (God Bless 🙏) and gave him something better.

"Tu Plot Armor no te va a salvar ahora, gilipollas."

...No comment on this specific screenshot, I just like to see Que and Juli cooperating together :D

Also presented without comment. Funfact, but this happened TWICE for the poor dude. Pain.

...Even if the playthrough itself was kinda boring, seeing this team was so good to me. Typically when seeing every single Euro B match vs the average IE player, it always ends with these teams getting steamrolled by 6 goals or something. For this ROM to take a different route and give them the justice they deserve, I love it!

Though there is few flaws, like that Jonas got excluded from the main team for some reason and some picked characters can be odd. But I'm very glad for this beautiful thing just to kick off 2024 🙏🥺 Shoutout to the creators of this ROM, @/Ytbrems and @/LacarpeM; please support them regardless of the language barrier :D

#Euro B Talk #We are SO back #I don't give a f if VR actually sees the light anymore. I'm pumped!#I have no idea how long this interest or this blog will last #But I want to keep sharing so much Euro B content this year #Even if so many other things get in the way #Btw poor Pollack; seriously #I'm so used to seeing Querardo being left out from the FFI group that seeing a different case catches me off guard #I don't get it... He could have been a nice midfielder for the team :(

7 notes · View notes

futbol16 · 2 years

Text

Those Three Letters • Alexia Putellas

Not sure how good this turned out to be, but I hope you like it. Enjoy!

Request: "In the trailer of Alexias documentary they say that Alexia turned off her phone after the injury. Can you write a story about reader and Alexia thats set during that time. Eventually reader is able to get a hold of Alexia maybe showing up to her appartement. Taking care of Alexia, making sure that she and Nala are okay, updating Alexias family and taking her to her apointments. Reader being her shoulder to cry on and pick Alexia up get a bit of faith back into her and being able to convince Alexia that she can be a great capitana from the sidelines also."

Part 2 You Can

Word count: 1,6k

Finishing up the late training session, you slipped on your sneakers and a hoodie and waved bye to the girls in the locker room.

As you walk down the hallway you fish your phone out from your right pocket, looking up at the last second before almost colliding with a body. You smile up at your captain.

“Gonna go talk to your girl?” Leah smiles down at you sweetly.

“Yeah, yeah. Schedules have been busy so I’m hoping to catch her.” you lightly blush at the thought of your girlfriend.

“Well good luck with that Y/N/N!”

“Thank you, goodnight Leah!” you wave her goodbye, your thumb already searching through your contacts before pressing on one.

You hold the phone to your ear as you walk to your room with a soft smile, but frown when no one picks up. You knew Alexia was off from training as well by now and the two of you had planned on talking tonight.

You call again, and again, and when she doesn’t pick up again, and again, you start to get worried. Tossing your phone onto your bed you decide to get ready for the evening instead, hoping that she’d at least message you to tell you what was up.

Your phone goes off suddenly, the ringtone breaking you out of your staring contest with yourself in the mirror. Your toothbrush is hanging out of your mouth as you race for your phone, answering it with a confused face when you realize it’s Mapi calling.

“Hey Mapi, what’s up?”

“Y/N, hola, hey, hi so something happened and Ale isn’t okay and I don’t know what to do and I need your help!” she rushes out and you go to calm her down before your ears perk up.

“Ale’s in trouble?” you ask almost breathlessly.

The most intense part of the Euro’s was barely in a week, everyone was excited for it and you knew Alexia had been waiting for this. To hear that something might not allow her to play…you feared the worst.

“What is it, María, what happened?”

“ACL” God, those three letters that you feared so much, one of the most dreaded injuries, especially in women’s football. That never meant anything good, this was serious.

“Y/N, I need you to come down here. I don’t know what’s going on with her, she hasn’t been answering any of us in the past two days. We were only told now what happened to her.”

That made sense, you had the first Match of the Euro’s yesterday and although the two of you would always wish each other good luck, you didn’t dwell on the absence of a message from her for too long. You knew the both of you were very busy people and she’d try to catch up later.

But now as you stand in the middle of the room, eyes wide, breath still and your toothpaste almost dripping down your chin you realize just how stupid that excuse sounded.

Ending the call with Mapi, you get yourself to look presentable before racing down to Sarina’s office.

Once you reach the door, you hastily knock on the wood until you’re let in.

“Hey coach, sorry, I really need to talk to you.” you tell her all that you knew and she eventually agrees to let you go, though with a warning that you wouldn’t play the full 90 minutes against Norway since you’d be missing a few training days.

By the time you get to the airport it’s already 8pm, you’d land in Barcelona at around midnight.

You keep Mapi updated and although you had told her you could take a taxi, she insisted on picking up her best friend from the airport.

When Mapi’s car rolls up in front of Alexia’s apartment it is well into the night, but knowing the Barcelona captain she was still going to be up no matter how tired she was after the day of her surgery.

You hated that you hadn’t been there for her when she had to go through such a thing, but you knew she needed you now more than ever and you were going to be there no matter what, even if it meant maybe missing the match against Norway.

You let yourself into her apartment, it’s dark but you can make out the silhouette of Nala before she jumps into your arms. You give her a little love before getting her something to eat, you weren’t sure how well Alexia had been taking care of herself and her dog right now.

As you walk further into the home you let your backpack - the only thing you had brought onto the plane with you - slide down your shoulder and land next to the wall of the living room.

That’s when you spot her, the warm color of the lamp lighting up the side of her face as she’s slumped over on the couch, her leg propped up. You note the deep frown she has, the creases in her forehead and the fact that she hadn’t noticed someone entering her apartment. It all worried you even more.

You move in front of her and squat down to be on her level before you place a careful hand to the side of her face. Cupping her cheek you turn her head towards you and wait for her eyes to focus on you, the deep glare slowly vanishing as she stares into your eyes.

“Alexia, bebé.” you whisper out as your thumb slowly strokes over her cheek bone. That’s all it takes for her as she breaks, a painful sob leaving her lips. You pull her into you, mindful of her leg and hold her close as she cries into your neck.

You fight back your own tears, ultimately failing, and repeatedly kiss her shoulder as you mutter words of comfort into her ear. She settles eventually and pulls back from you, though she doesn’t go far, desperate to still be close to you.

“I wanted to play so bad.”

“I know, I know, love. “ you say as you wipe away the few tears rolling down her cheek. “It won’t be long Ale, you’re strong, you know this. And I’ll be here, yeah? We’ll do it together.” you tell her honestly, kissing her cheek when she gives you a tiny smile.

“Gracias, mi amor. Gracias, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” she pulls you in again and you hug her back tightly. You help her get ready for the night, gently washing the day off her body and holding her close when she breaks down again.

You kiss her injured knee gently and tuck her into bed. It’s the early hours of the morning when you manage to get her to sleep and you slowly slip out from under the covers. You watch as she cuddles into your pillow and you move her hair out of her face before making your way out the bedroom door.

Eli is the first person you call, Alexia’s mom, and she immediately picks up the phone despite the sun barely being up. You fill her in on the news and promise her to take care of her daughter as you ask her to come around for the next day.

Alexia would need her family close to her, especially once you’d have to go back to England for the Euro’s.

You take her to her appointments during the next few days and help out her family who have come around Alexia’s place everyday. It’s four days later that you pack your bag again, knowing you’d have to get on the earliest flight possible.

You’re about to walk to Alexia’s room when her sister pulls you aside and into a hug. You hug back the younger brunette fiercely, knowing that her sister’s injury and mood had been hard on her emotionally as well.

“She’s gonna need you more than us, you know.” she whispers to you.

“What?” you pull back from the hug, confused as to what she meant.

“My sister, she’s going to need you more than anyone Y/N.” you’re about to shake your head at her words but she interrupts you. “You’re her person, she’ll want you by her side, more than me or Mama.”

“I’ll do my best to be there for her.” you nod at Alba.

“You already have.” she answers you with a smile before kissing your cheek and nudging you towards her sister’s bedroom.

Walking through the doorway Alexia is sitting on the edge of her bed, looking up at you with big eyes. You cup her cheeks, her arms circling around your waist as she rests her chin on your stomach.

“I have to go amor.” you tell her quietly, hating that you had to leave her when she was hurt, but you knew you had to get back to England if you wanted to play in the tournament.

“Sí, mi amor. I know.” she lets out a sigh. Her arms slowly reach up and she tugs you down to her level, pulling you into a kiss.

You kiss her back softly, your thumb stroking her jaw as she holds you impossibly close.

“I’ll be back, love, and you’ll be back on that football pitch sooner than you think.” You tell her, confident in her rehab and her strength.

"And until then you’ll be the best Capitana for the team, even if it’s from the stands.” She nods at you, giving you a gentle smile and kissing you one last time before you’d have to leave for the airport.

You knew this would be a hard and long journey for her, but Alexia also knew that with you by her side she could do this.

You and her, together.

#alexia putellas imagine #alexia putellas x reader #woso x reader #woso imagine #woso one shot #futbol16

511 notes · View notes

the-thorster · 11 months

Text

Analysing the abbreviation "ESC" further.

Two weeks ago I asked both Germans and Non-Germans if they call Eurovision "ESC"

The answer was divided: of the 'ESC'-users, about half were Germans and half weren't. About 40% of Non-Germans who voted didn't know or use the term, whether online or irl. Curiously, there was almost no German (1.2%) that didn't use the abbreviation at all.

However, in my first poll I failed to:

a) make a difference between Germans and people from German-speaking countries (like Austria and Switzerland for example). b) specify if the usage is online/on tumblr or irl. c) account for people from countries where the event usually isn't called "Eurovision Song Contest" (Songfestival, (Euro)viisut, Grand Prix, Eurovisie, etc)

So this time I tried to specify better. There's also further questions you can answer in the tags:

if you use the 'ESC' abbreviation irl and you’re not german or german-speaking, do you pronounce the letters in your native language or in english (ee-ess-cee)?

non german speakers: have you heard someone say ESC irl in a non tumblr/social media context (other (classic) media, in podcasts, interviews, or conversations you had irl …)?

THANKS FOR VOTING!!!

#poll #esc #eurovision #esc 2024 #eurovision 2024 #eurovision song contest #european #thanks to everyone who voted in the other one i looooooved reading all your tags!#i love scientific research on specific linguistic things lol i only never collect it myself. now i do!!!

87 notes · View notes

doberbutts · 2 years

Text

To those wondering what I'm talking about re: Harvestella... these are some of the many comments on various articles regarding the game and specifically the interview that announced the non-binary OPTION (meaning if you don't want to be nb you simply don't select it- literally all it does is give you they/them pronouns instead of she/her and he/him).

And this image from Squeenix's official twitter:

Which is the "absolutely terrible" character customization screen that people are complaining about. Pronouns, body type, skin color, hair color, eye color. Less customization than some, more than others. Your clothes change with your job. Pretty sure the models are exactly the same, just one has [small] boobs and an updo and the other has no boobs and a side ponytail.

Reactions from Gamer Bros vary from your typical shitty trans/nbphobic "mental illness" and "doesn't exist" comments all the way for advocating for genocide of Japan and BOTH antiblack AND anti-Japanese slurs at the same time (that one thankfully downvoted by everyone).

But what gets me the most is the reaction to the male body type. He's fairly androgynous and maybe even a bit pear-shaped- it's hard to tell with the way the clothes flare around his waist. But it's "this guy doesn't look like a man" and "I'm being forced to play as someone I don't look like" which is interesting to me because A: I know men who look like that and

B: I've literally always been forced to play as someone I don't look like, it's VERY RARE that I as a black person can find the correct skin tone, correct hair texture, AND correct facial features in a character customization screen. They are always too dark or too light, with european hair textures, and euro or asian facial features... OR the facial features are just shy of exaggerated characiture (looking at you, Skyrim) and thus playing as such is not a fun experience. And that's JUST my reality of being black, not even mentioning gender or disability.

I don't look like Geralt. I don't look like Aloy. I never have. I never will. I have ALWAYS been forced to play as someone I don't look like. Even when I supposed to make this character *me*. Even when it comes close, it still misses the mark. Even this game does- I don't look like that and my hair would never do that and my face will never be that asian-beauty-standard prettyboy look. I can have my skin tone, that's it.

Gamer Bros really are the weakest link, they think if something doesn't pander immediately and directly to them that it's garbage. As if there aren't thousands of people exactly like me who have yet to see themselves in a game, who've been gaming since they were old enough to hold a controller. How many women out there grew up forced to play male characters while being told "the mc is supposed to be YOU :)" until game companies remembered girls exist too? How many companies STILL do this?

You will not die because in this one offshoot Final Fantasy Farming games you're forced to choose between a twink and a high femme, I promise.

452 notes · View notes

footballfanficwriter · 1 year

Text

Questions pt 2

Summary:where the reader is on an interview and she gets asked questions about Jude

"Welcome y/n Bellingham, how are you today?"

"I'm good, how are you?

I'm great, thank you ,so a lot has been going on in your life recently"

"Yeah, it's been a lot"

"With your husband being transferd to Real Madrid, the hate comments he's been getting from liverpool fans , just recently celebrating his birthday, your new movie that's just dropped and the new magazine cover that's got everyone talking ,aswell as your kids adapting to the new situation, how has it all been for you?"

"Uhhmm, it's been a lot I'm not gonna lie, when Jude came to me and told me that Madrid had made him an offer I lost it ofcourse, because it's Madrid you know he sat on it long and hard and made the decision and we knew it was going to be tough and we prepared ourselves,

as for the hate comments Liverpool fans have been throwing at him

I just feel like they should honestly mind their own business cause, it doesn't concern then nor does it affect their way of living , Jude made a decision that he thinks is going to benefit him and make him stronger as a football player and I'll support it, the fans or other people weren't considered when this decision was made

"And how did you celebrate his Birthday?"

"We couldn't really feed him junk food and cake and all that because he'd already been to Greece and France, but we had a mini family get together with the kids and his parents, brother and best friends and I think he enjoyed it, he looked grateful"

"That sounds nice and what about the 2 new projects that you've recently dropped, tell us about those"

"Well firstly, time was tight, we needed to work fast, because with the move that was happening, the kids and Jude not being able to play in the Euro Qualifications, I was living according to a schedule for three months, everything was scheduled, from family time, bath time ,dinner, I hardly got to see my husband through the three months but in the magazine it's something I menton aswell like being a working football wife with kids does take a strain on you and your family, but if things are done in a certain way everything works out"

"So in the magazine you talk about you life as a working football wife with children"

"Yes because most football wives just become stay at home moms, and I'm not saying that's a bad thing just that it's a very brave thing to do"

"Why don't you want to become a stay at home mom, I mean I know if I had that opportunity I would take it"

"Firstly it's because I would become bored out of my mind if I did, I've got ADHD, so I can't focus on the same thing over and over again and also because I'm plan B"

"What do you mean you're plan B?"

"I mean that a lot of the times you see football players getting hurt and having serious injuries that nearly ended their careers, I obviously don't want that for Jude but, I lie awake at night thinking what if he got really hurt and he had to quit, it would kill me ofcourse, but we'd lose everything that's in our name and the Bills for whatever the injury would be would be very high, I don't want to be taking out loans on my house just to pay for medical Bill's, so that's why I'm plan B"

"That is a very smart way of thinking, And did you have a say in the Transfer to Madrid"

"Yes, I did we sat down together, talked it out, for a long time it was a very had decision to make considering all the other clubs that were interested in Him especially because Liverpool made their offer first and when we got the offer we wanted to see how it would impact us as a family and the impact it would have on our children"

"Speaking of your children, how are they adapting to the new change?"

" they are excited, already they are definitely taking it better than I thought they would, they can't wait to learn how to speak Spanish"

"So in another interview, your husband shared a fatherhood story about Lelani can you give us a Motherhood story that you remember"

"Uhmm Jabilo,one of my sons loves helping out wherever he can, whether it's in the Garden, the kitchen, the living room, just anywhere he can help he wants to help, but he also loves to climb things, so on one of my day offs he got sick, so sick he couldn't go to school and he stayed in bed, it wasn't until I fed him and gave him some medicine, he started running around the house for no reason at all, then I had and idea to make cookies hoping it would calm him down, so I placed out all the ingredients on the counter to make it easier for me and all, then all of a sudden I get a call from Jude checking up on him and the mistake I made is that I left the kitchen, when I come back after the call my bowl was on the floor, with butter, sugar and an egg and an egg shell, with Jabilo just sitting on the floor, bowl in between his legs and him attempting to mix everything with his hands, while at the same time he's covered in flour , when I asked him, what he was doing he said "helping you momma" I know I should've been mad but my heart wouldn't let me"

"And your other son?"

"Jordan, is a very quiet kid, he keeps to himself if he doesn't know you, but he's one of the those people to be comfortable with people close to him like family and friends

But when he is comfortable around you he's the comedian of the family, he'd tell ridiculously funny jokes and make impressions of famous people it scares me sometimes, but I see Jordan as the creative one out of all three of my children and not because he draws on my walls, but because, for his birthday we got him this thick notepad with colors and crayons to draw on and he protects those with his life, everyone in the house knows not to touch them, only he can touch them and if you do, he throws tantrums, but he's stopped with it now so"

"Well Y/N thank you so much for your time and telling us a little about your life

"Yeah no problem, thank you so much

87 notes · View notes

gooseprotocol · 6 days

Text

Spice Girls interviewed by Kathy Acker in 1997 for the Guardian Weekend edition.

All Girls Together by Kathy Acker

The Spice Girls are the biggest, brashest girlie group ever to have hit the British mainstream. Kathy Acker is an avant-garde American writer and academic. They met up in New York to swap notes – on boys, girls, politics. And what they really, really want.

Fifty-second street. West Side, New York City. Hell’s Kitchen – one of those areas into which no one would once have walked unless loaded. Guns or drugs or both. But now it has been gentrified: the beautiful people have won. A man in middle-aged-rocker uniform, tight black jeans and nondescript T-shirt, lets Nigel, the photographer, and me through the studio doorway then a chipmunk-sort-of-guy in shorts, with a Buddha tattooed on one of his arms, greets us warmly. This is Muff, the band’s publicity officer. We’re about to meet the Girls … They are here to rehearse for an appearance on Saturday Night Live. Not only is this their first live TV performance, it’s also the first time they’ll be playing with what Mel C calls a “real band”. If the Girls are to have any longevity in the music industry, they will have to break into the American market and for this they will need the American media. Both the Girls and their record company believe that their appearance here tonight might do the trick.

There is a refusal among America’s music critics to take the Spice Girls seriously. The Rolling Stone review of Spice, their first album, refers to them as “attractive young things ... brought together by a manager with a marketing concept”. The main complaint, or explanation for disregard, is that they are a “manufactured band”. What can this mean in a society of McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and En Vogue? However, an email from a Spice fan mentions that, even though he loves the girls, he detects a “couple of stereotypes surrounding women in the band’s general image. The brunette is the woman every man wants to date. Perfect for an adventure on a midnight train, or to hire as your mistress-secretary. The blonde is the woman you take home to mother, whereas the redhead is the wild woman, the woman-with-lots-of-evil-powers.” So who are these Girls? And how political is their notorious “Girl Power”? Even though I have seen many of their videos and photos, as soon as I’m in front of these women, I am struck by how they look far more remarkable than I had expected, even though Mel C is trying not to look as lovely as she is. I had intended to say something else, but instead I find myself asking them: “If paradise existed, what would it look like?” Geri speaks first, and she is, I think, reprimanding me for being idealistic. “Money makes the world what it is today,” she says, almost before I have time to think about my sudden outburst, “a world infested with evil. All sorts of wars are going on at the moment. Everyone’s kind of bickering, wanting to better themselves because their next-door neighbour’s got a better lawn. That kind of thing.” “Greed,” Victoria adds. Mel C: “Instead of trying to be better than someone else, you have to try to better yourself.” In a few minutes, they are explaining to me that the Spice Girls is a type of paradise, Spice Girls is a lifestyle. “It’s community.” That’s Geri again. She and Mel B – one in a funky, antique Hawaiian shirt, the other in diaphanous yellow bell-bottoms and top – do most of the talking. Mel C, in her gym clothes, is the quietest. Geri: “We’re a community in which each one of us shines individually, without making any of the others feel insecure. We liberate each other. A community should be liberating. Nelson Mandela said that you know when someone is brilliant when having that person next to you makes you feel good.”

‘The Spicey life vibey thing’ ... The Spice Girls film the Euro 96 theme song video. Photograph: Dave Hogan/Getty Images

“Not envious,” adds her cohort, Mel B. These are the two baddest Girls. At least on the surface. I suspect otherwise. “It inspires you.” Geri again. “That is what life’s about. People should be inspiring.” I can’t keep up with these Girls. My generation, spoon-fed Marx and Hegel, thought we could change the world by altering what was out there – the political and economic configurations, all that seemed to make history. Emotions and personal – especially sexual – relationships were for girls, because girls were unimportant. Feminism changed this landscape in England, the advent of Margaret Thatcher, sad to say, changed it more. The individual self became more important than the world. To my generation, this signals the rise of selfishness for the generation of the Spice Girls, self-consideration and self-analysis are political. When the Spices say, “We’re five completely separate people,” they’re talking politically. “Like when you’re in a relationship,” Mel B takes over, “and you’re in love, you feel you’re only you when you’re with that person, so when you leave that person, you think ‘I’m not me’. That’s so wrong. It’s downhill from then on, in yourself spiritually and in your whole environment. In this band, it’s different. Each of us is just the way we are, and each of us respects that.”

“As Melanie says,” adds Geri, “each of us wants to be her own person and, without snatching anyone else’s energy, bring something creative and new and individual to the group. We’re proof this is happening. When the Spice Girls first started as a unit, we respected the qualities we found in each other that we didn’t have in ourselves. It was like, ‘Wow! That’s the Spicey life vibey thing, isn’t it?’”

Geri turns even more paradoxical: “Normally, when you get fans of groups, they want to act like you, they copy what you’re wearing, for instance. Whereas our fans, they might have pigtails and they might wear sweatclothes, but they are so individual, it’s unbelievable. When you speak to them, they’ve got so much balls! It’s like we’ve collected a whole group of our people together! It’s really, really mad. I can remember someone coming up to us and going, ‘Do you know what? I’ve just finished with my boyfriend! And you’ve given me the incentive to go ‘Fuck this!’” At this, the Spices cheer. Giving up any hope of narrative continuity, I ask the girls if they want boys. “Some of us are in relationships.” Mel B. “I live with my boyfriend. For three years now, yeah.” I tell them that I’ve never been good at balancing sexual love and work. “Of course you can. It doesn’t make me a lesser person to be in a relationship makes me a better person. Because I can still go out and . . . flirting is natural.” I’m listening to Mel B, but all I can think, at the moment, is how beautiful she is. “I can stay out all night and come in when I want. Your whole life doesn’t have to change just because you’re with somebody else.”

What man could handle all this? ... The Spice Girls at the 1997 Cannes film festival. Photograph: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty Images

“It depends on the individual,” says Geri. “I think whoever we would chose to be with should respect the way we are... and our job as well...” Mel B. “The way we are together. None of us would be interested in a man that wanted to dominate, wanted to pull you down, and wanted you to do what he wanted you to do.” I wonder what man could handle all this.

“If one of us was to go out with a dweeb of a man,” says Mel B, “he would probably feel threatened by the five of us. Because we do share things about our relationships, so it’s like a gang. Like a gang, but we’re not. We can have relationships, but they have to be on a completely different level.” Emma talks only about her mother, and Mel C is very quiet. What hides, I wonder, behind that face, which appears more delicate and intense than in her photos? Victoria, I learn later, is upset about an ex-boyfriend’s betrayal of her confidence – throughout our discussion she looks slightly upset. Several times she says that, above all, she wants privacy. Perhaps paradise is not as simple as it seems. I know that, to find out more about these Girls, I must change the subject, but instead, I just blurt out: “Let’s stop talking about boys!” “Yeah,” agree the Girls.

Do they think the Spice Girls will go on forever? And if not, what will they do after it ends? What do you really want to do? “We talked about that the other day, didn’t we?” Geri, sitting on the floor, turns around to the three girls sprawled on a black sofa. Emma, in a white from-the-Sixties dress, perches on a high chair. Their hair has been done, their faces powdered, and they’re ready for the photo.

Spice Girls: Say You’ll Be There - video

“I want to own restaurants,” Victoria takes the lead. She wears a skin-tight designer outfit, perfectly positioned Wonderbra and heels seemingly too high to walk on. Unlike the other girls, she never lets her mask break open.

“The entrepreneur,” remarks Mel B fondly. “Restaurants and art,” Victoria continues. “I’ve always liked art. Ever since I was...” She pauses. “And I’d like a nice big house, and to fill it with, you know...” “Sculptures!” Mel B. “Nude men.” That’s Mel C. All the girls are laughing. Victoria admits – and her emotions finally start to show – that’s she’s always fancied doing art. A few years ago, she and Geri were going to return to college, but they didn’t have the time. Now the others are teasing her about her shoes. I like these girls. I like being with them. “I don’t know what I want to do.” Mel C. The Spices who haven’t yet said anything are now talking. “At the moment I am completely into what I’m doing, and I find it hard to think, right now, what I want to do later on.” Mel B. “I want a big family, like the Waltons,” Emma admits. “I like taking care of people, I love kids.”

“You can look after mine.” Mel C.

Everyone’s saying something. Victoria wants to live with her sister, and maybe her brother Emma’s thinking of her mother. I’m beginning to realise how different from each other the Girls are. Mel C says she likes living alone, but wishes she were geographically closer to her family.

“Me and Geri,” pipes up Mel B, who’s rarely silent for more than a minute, “come from up north. It’s like living in a little community, isn’t it? And moving down into London, it’s like moving into the big wild world. I don’t even know my next-door neighbour, do you?”

“No,” answers Mel C. I like these girls. They’re home girls. “I’d be in a cult, or join a naturist camp or something, and just live there, like back in the Sixties in the hippy days,” Mel B is gesticulating, “where everything’s just One Love, everything’s free, and there are no set rules, where nobody judges you...” Geri tells me that she is a jack-of-all-trades. After speculating whether she might do her own TV show, or go into films, write a movie script, she announces that her model is Sylvester Stallone.

I think of Brigitte Nielsen. “I’ll tell you why.” He couldn’t get a part in Hollywood, she explains, so he wrote, directed and produced Rambo himself. “I just think that’s what it takes I always love it when the underdog comes through.”

The Girls have been in showbusiness for years. Emma started when she was three. All of the others were professional by the age of 17 or 18. I’m beginning to understand why these Girls have been picked, consciously or unconsciously, by their generation to represent that generation. Especially, but not only, the female sector. In a society still dominated by class and sexism, very few of those not born to rule, women especially, are able to make choices about their own work and lifestyle. Very few know freedom. None of the Spices, not even Victoria, was born privileged nor, as they themselves note, are they traditional beauties. Christine, a student of mine, watching them on Saturday Night Live, remarked to me: “They’re not even slick dancers or exceptional singers! They’re just the girl-next-door!”

And they are they’re just girls as more than one of them remarked to me, “We never really had a chance until this happened!” They’re the girls never heard from before this in England look, there are lots of them ones who’ve known Thatcherite, post-Thatcherite society and nothing else, and now, thanks to the glory and the strangeness of British rock-pop society, they’ve found a voice. Listen to the voices of those who didn’t go to Oxford or Cambridge, or even to Sussex or to art school...

Geri: “I didn’t really know that much, you know, history, but I knew about the suffragettes. They fought. It wasn’t that long ago. They died to get a vote. The women’s vote. Bloody ass-fucking mad, do you know what I mean? You remember that and you think, fucking hell. But to get back to what Victoria was saying about us, that we never got anywhere, you know, the underdog thing. This is why I feel so passionate. We’ve been told, time and time again, you’re not pretty enough, you’re too fat, you’re too thin...” All the Spice Girls are now roaring. “...You’re not tall enough, you’re not white, you’re not black. What I passionately feel is that it is so wrong to have to fit into a role or a mould in order to succeed. What I think is fan-fucking-tastic about us now is that we are not perfect and we have made a big success of ourselves. I’m swelling with pride.” But you are babes. They all protest. “We were all individually beaten down... Collectively, we’ve got something going,” says Geri. “Individually, I don’t think we’d be that great.”

“There’s a chemistry that runs through us and gives us... where I’m bad at something, Melanie’s good, or Geri’s good at something at which the rest of us are bad,” says Victoria. Look, I say, I’m feeling stranger and stranger about these politics based on individualism. There are lots of girls who have the same backgrounds as they do, right? “Right.”

So what is holding those girls down? Keeping them from doing what they really want to do? They start to discuss this. I can hardly make out who’s saying what in the ensuing commotion. I hear “society and conditioning”; another one, Emma perhaps, is talking about being in showbiz, receiving job rejection after job rejection she’s saying how strong you have to be to keep bouncing back. Geri mentions Freud, then states that parents’ beliefs often hold back a child, parents and then the child’s reception in her school. “When you go and see a careers officer,” ponders Mel C, “and you sit down and say, ‘I want to be a spaceman’, instead of responding ‘Go study astrophysics’, they go, ‘Yeah, but what do you really want to do?’ That is so wrong. I think there should be a class in – what do you call it? – self-motivation. Self-motivation classes, self-esteem classes.”

I still feel that a bit of economic realism is missing here, but I can’t get a word in edgewise. Not in all the girl excitement. These females are angry.

“I think it all goes back to everyone wanting to feel that they’re part of an ongoing society,” Geri tries to analyse. “The humdrum nine-to-five, you know what it’s like... What do you do when you leave school? You go and get a job to have money to pay off the mortgage, you get a flat and have a nice boyfriend, pay off your bills, you go to work with your briefcase and your suit, and that’s it. That’s people’s normal, everyday thing, isn’t it? And if you branch out from that, it’s... well, ‘What does she think she’s doing?’ It’s going against the grain a bit – which not many people do. It’s not even going against the grain it’s just clinging on to the bit you want to do and thinking I’m going to do it, who cares?” The Girls, including Geri, tell me that they’ve got an American philosophy, an American dream. “But me,” says Mel B, “before I was in the band, I thought I’d like to be a preacher. I still do. Something like that. They’ve actually got this place in London which is called Speaker’s Corner. You get up on your stand there you can speak about anything. I’d like to speak about people, the emotional or mental blocks people have, especially regarding other people, things like that. That’s what the tattoo on my stomach means, ‘Spirit, Heart and Mind’, because that’s what fuels me – communication fuels me. You learn about yourself, about other people and life in general, through communication.” She says that’s she’s been writing since she was 11, writing everything down, “why the world is this shape, what would happen if everyone on earth died...”

“Stoned questions...” murmurs another Spice. “I’d love to go back to the Sixties,” Emma says in her clear voice. “I’d love that. I wouldn’t wear headbands though.” What about some of the politics of the Sixties, I ask. Malcolm X? The fight against racism? “The other day I watched The Killing Fields.” Now Geri’s doing the talking. “That was in the Sixties, Vietnam. I think it’s very healthy that there’s an element of that today. Through the media today we can see people demonstrating for human rights. In Cambodia, on the other side of the world. I think it’s brilliant when you see people standing up, when they have a voice, it kicks the system, a little bit, into touch.”

Spice Girls: Spice up Your Life - video

But what about in England today? I mention that in the US, racism is still a big issue.

Mel B and Geri start talking about racism. Geri tells me that she’s learned about racial prejudice from Mel B, who says, “The thing I find really bizarre about America and England ... You say that the racism thing is worse in America, yet if you look at television here [in NYC], they’re really scrupulous about making sure, for instance, that they have a black family in an advert. On the adverts in England, you wouldn’t find that.” Suddenly all the Spices are talking among themselves. I can’t understand anything. Then we’re on the subject of Madonna, of people who have inspired us, and Geri starts speaking about Margaret Thatcher. Why she admires her. “But we won’t go down there!” “Don’t go down there!” advise the Girls.

“We won’t go down there, but...” and Geri, who never seems to listen to reason, begins. She says that when politicians discuss the economy, they’re just talking about shifting money from one spot to another, and someone always suffers. This is the same distrust of government that so many Americans, both on the right and left – and especially among lower and working-class people – are feeling and articulating.

Mel C says softly, “We talked about suffragettes and getting the vote to women, and all that. But a lot of women don’t vote a lot of our generation doesn’t vote. I don’t. I don’t feel I should because I don’t know anything about politics ...”

“That was what I was going to say,” adds Emma. They blame the lack of political education in schools. Whether they like or dislike Margaret Thatcher or Tony Blair, they distrust both the political industry and the related media. “Intellectual people chatting in bathrooms,” comments Mel B. “We are society,” exclaims Geri, “so really ...”

“... We should be running it,” Mel B finishes the statement.

“I’d like to run it for a day,” says Victoria, looking directly at me.

“But Victoria, who’s going to let you do such a job?” Geri reminds her. “The only way to go is growth,” says Mel B. “I think everyone’s turned a bit to the spiritual life.”

“You know,” interjects Victoria, “if you believe in evolution, we only use 20% of our brain ... if that. So it’s natural that we can evolve to the next level. We’ve got to, really.”

“Nowadays, people do sit down and ask themselves ‘Why am I doing this?’” Mel B continues. “They question themselves and what they’ve got around them. I know I do it, and you find your own little mission. And you fucking go for it. A lot more people are like that now.” Do they all feel like that? There’s a general quiet, then a “Yeah” all around me. I ask the Spices to describe themselves. For a moment, they’re lost for words. Victoria: “I love what I’m doing. I’m with my five best friends, and I’ve seen some great countries. I’m happy, I’m very happy. I care a lot about my family. Regarding my personality, I’m private. There are things for me to know and no one else to find out.” She hesitates. “I just accept the way I am. You have to make the most of it, make the best of yourself. I’m a bit of a fretter. If I’m going to do something, I want to do it properly. I want to do the best I can. I’m a perfectionist.”

Emma: “Me, I’m definitely a bit of a brat. I worry about what other people are feeling, that sort of thing.”

Geri: “I have quite an active mind. Quite eccentric, really. A conversationalist. I believe in fate in a big way, a very big way.” Mel B: “I’m always asking inward questions about things. I live off the vibes, I do, that people give me. If I don’t like someone then I won’t speak to them, even though something might be coming out of their mouth that I should listen to. I like to think I’m a bit of a free spirit. I don’t run by any rule book. I live on the edge a little bit. I always think, well, at least I’ll die happy today rather than worrying about it tomorrow.”

Mel C: “I’m very regimented. I really enjoy my own company, although I love being with other people.”

I’m watching the Spice Girls perform Wannabe on Saturday Night Live, but not seeing them. In my mind, I’m seeing England. When I returned there in July last year, lad culture was in full swing. Loaded was running what had once been a relatively intellectual magazine culture. Feminism, especially female intellectuals, had become extinct. “Where have all the women gone to?” I asked. Then came a twist named the Spice Girls. The Spices, though they deny it, are babes – the blonde, the redhead, the dark sultry fashion model – and they’re more. They both are and represent a voice that has too long been repressed. The voices, not really the voice, of young women and, just as important, of women not from the educated classes. It isn’t only the lads sitting behind babe culture, bless them, who think that babes or beautiful lower and lower-middle class girls are dumb. It’s also educated women who look down on girls like the Spice Girls, who think that because, for instance, girls like the Spice Girls take their clothes off, there can’t be anything “up there”.

The Spice Girls are having their cake and eating it. They have the popularity and the popular ear that an intellectual, certainly a female intellectual, almost never has in this society, and, what’s more, they have found themselves, perhaps by fluke, in the position of social and political articulation. It little matters now how the Spice Girls started – if they were a “manufactured band”.

What does this have to do with feminism? When I lived in England in the Eighties, a multitude of women, diverse and all intellectual, were continually heard from – people such as Michele Roberts, Jeanette Winterson, Sara Maitland, Jacqueline Rose, Melissa Benn. Is it also possible that the English feminism of the Eighties might have shared certain problems with the American feminism of the Seventies? English feminism, as I remember it back then, was anti-sex. And like their American counterparts, the English feminists were intellectuals, from the educated classes. There lurked the problem of elitism, and thus class.

I am speculating, but, perhaps due to Margaret Thatcher – though it is hard to attribute anything decent to her – a populist change has taken place in England. The Spice Girls, and girls like them, and the girls who like them, resemble their American counterparts in two ways: they are sexually curious, certainly pro-sex, and they do not feel that they are stupid or that they should not be heard because they did not attend the right universities. If any of this speculation is valid, then it is up to feminism to grow, to take on what the Spice Girls, and women like them, are saying, and to do what feminism has always done in England, to keep on transforming society as society is best transformed, with lightness and in joy.

#spice girls #kathy acker #spice up your life

10 notes · View notes

dullahandyke · 5 months

Text

yippee yippee yippee yippee eimear con haul!!!!

Hi. It was my birthday recently and I'm bad to shop for so instead of gifts I got money to spend at Kaizokucon. So here's a haul. Under the cut bcos I couldnt fit it nicely in one picture and I wanna ramble

ok we're gonna take it one picture at a time ^_^ the ID in the alt text explains what everything is if u just wanna see what i got without the rambling sure to come with it. links in rambling r to the artists of the fan stuff where i can find em ^_^ only one of them is a direct link to the product tho bcos some ppls shops r down and some ppl dont have all their stuff online. lemons_arent_green youre a real one

Ok the flat stuff!!! black rock shooter poster bcos i already have a figure but i liek her... badass anime girl ily.... was so so sure i saw a reigen keychain but when i went to go get one there weren't any so i got this sticker sheet instead :3 SPEAKING OF KEYCHAINS!!! yippee yippee kaguya i love you youre my special little tiempsy. yue you are a gay anime boy with a cool design. tomoyo ive always felt a kinship with you and its because im a desperate dyke. monokuma is here ig 🙄 i put him on my carabiner and hes fun to stim with. i am not immune to the sdr2 fanboying. also full disclosure ive not watched naruto (its in the spreadsheet) i just thought funko pop sasuke keychain was really really funny. my son who stares into my soul. comparatively i dont have as much to say on the badges!! luka luka fever for real girlie ily. the bandori ones were blind bags and i got himari on my first try <3<3<3<3<3<3 sorry eve i kind of dont care. 🙁 the dr girlies i kinda picked at random based on who i've been vibing w lately.

THE POKEMON DIORAMA!!!! its soooo cool, staff were setting up the trade hall so i was in there all day friday and this shop was one of the first to set up their stands and i was literally staring at it all day... so fucking awesome. the rings n the necklace r from the same shop look at them... im fucking obsessed w the catgirl necklace. literally look at her. i dont thiiink shes supposed to be a specific character but she might be. oh well. cat girl ily. aaaand the arisa stand is actually a little clip for papers n stuff!! she was also a blind box but specifically for popipa so i was gonna b happy w whoever <3

MIIIIKUUUUUU MY PRINCESS MY EVERYTHING!!!!! she was calling to me she beckoned..... shes actually rlly big irl shes the biggest figure i have, replacing my kokoro one... shes the one where i audibly said 'it was my birthday i can buy things' bcos figures spencey... she wasnt too bad actually i just like bitching. 6 euro axel for scale

BOOKS 💥💥💥 i was reading nana a while back and i dropped it but i gotta pick it up again... rlly pretty and awesome... aaaand the summer hikaru died!!! kay if youre seeing this then know you posting abt it convinced me <3 i originally got it bcos i was on door duty in a quiet area and didnt wanna spend my time draining battery life on my phone but after i bought it i realised that that was literally a terrible idea so <3 we'll get around to them soon

FINALLLYYYYYY TSHIRTS!!! the top yellow one was my staff t-shirt, it has 'staff' on the back i was wearing it all weekend and yippee i love it.... emotional bond.... and if this is a safe space can i just say. if kaito was a woman? would. next up FAYE FUCKIN VALENTINEEEE!!! do u remember that post i made going thru all the sellers that were gonna b at the con that started like 'i hate shounen fans. name a woman'? well this is the seller i was talking about but all was forgiven in the name of FAYE ! GODDAMN ! VALENTINE ! ugh i love you girlie. and the last t-shirt was given out free to staff after the closing ceremony!! it was the tenth anniversary of kaizokucon so we got this awesomes design yay.... wore it to classes today hoping somebody would comment on it and nobody did 😌and in the middle i got CLOW CARRRDS BITCHES!!!!!! i saw them and immediately all thought left my fucking brain. i needed them. so important. the seller also recognised the axel in my fanny pack yippee!!!! a few people recognised him over the weekend actually and i was always like yes!! the him

anyway. yippee! yippee! yippee! yippee! yippee! yippee! yippee! yippee! yippee! con con con con con :)

#id just in alt text bcos my rambling p functionally describes it

18 notes · View notes

pedripics · 3 months

Text

Pedri: "On the pitch I don't think; I do the first thing that comes into my head" | EL PAÍS Deportes - Translation

The Barca player breaks free in the Spanish national team, the team that is making waves at the Euros.

He seems shy, but he is not. In fact, he is one of those who spreads joy at Spain's training camp in Donaueschingen. And although he doesn't really enjoy interviews, Pedri González (Tenerife, 21 years old) is relaxed and fun. And he has a message for his team-mates: "I would like to say that Nico is very bad at Play". A state of mind that is reflected on the pitch, liberated as a midfielder in the Roja team that shines in Germany.

When was the last time you cried with laughter?

"Twenty minutes ago. We were in the gym and a physio took a big hit and it was… Someone's falls, someone else's bad feelings without the person actually hurting themselves, make me laugh a lot."

Are those the videos you get the most on TikTok?

"Falls, a lot of monkeys and food, especially chocolate. It's a bummer because I can't eat that. It's more than forbidden. They take everything away from me [laughs]. But if I win the Euro, before I go on holiday, I will eat chocolate."

Have you thought that it's been less than four years since you made your debut in La Liga?

"A lot of people say to me: 'It seems like ten years have passed'."

And how do you cope with the feeling of time passing?

"I certainly feel like a lot has happened because of the things I've learned. You're so into what you do, whether it's a World Cup or a European Cup, that when you want to start thinking, you're already in the next season."

What would you say to the 17-year-old Pedri who came to play for Barça B and ended up in Messi's team?

"That he enjoys the day-to-day and everything he does. It goes by very quickly when you think about it…. For a footballer the most important thing is to find what makes you good. In the beginning, for example, you don't have much idea about nutrition or what to do in a gym. But as you start to gain experience, you find what works for you."

Has it hurt you not to have trained at La Masia?

"It was different. Players who have been trained in La Masia are accustomed from a very young age to a certain type of work that other quarries do not do so much. For example, another thing that is not about the game is the interviews. At Barcelona, they've all practised, they've done a thousand with the club's television. But when you get caught out of the blue..."

Has everything happened too suddenly?

"And on top of that, they take away the good things you used to eat… [laughs]. But you adapt: it's your dream."

Have you talked to Lamine Yamal about these experiences?

"In the first few games of the EUROs I told him to be calm, to enjoy himself. I explained to him that if he did what he knew, he would do well. And we see how he does it."

Is it true that you are all day with Ferran Torres?

"Now a little less, because he plays Call of Duty and I'm very bad."

Has Ferran introduced you to his interest in mental health?

"Yes. One minute in ice water. He's been doing it for a year. He goes in every morning, before breakfast: ice water up to his neck and before getting out he also dunks his head in it. He got so annoying about it that he convinced me. And now I can't stop doing it. I've been doing it for three months now. It's good for my muscles, it wakes me up, it activates me. I recommend you try it."

With the number 10 in extinction, how do you feel in the position of playmaker instead of the interior?

"I'm closer to the danger zone. Everything I do has more relevance to the game. Also goals and assists, of course. On the other hand, when you are a bit further back you help to bring the ball forward. It's true that in today's football there are few coaches who use a playmaker. But there are many players with the qualities to play there. It's a position where I feel comfortable. I enjoy it."

Why?

"Because when you receive the ball you are already in a position to face the center backs, to shoot or to provide an assist. It is spectacular."

Did they play videos to show you how to move in that area?

"Yes, at the beginning. Luis [de la Fuente] told me that he wanted me to play in that position. He explained to me how I had to press, where I had to position myself when we had the ball. He showed me videos of other players from national team games. He wanted me to see the model of the game so that I could understand the playmaker's position. He also showed me videos of me at Barça to analyse what I needed to change and what he wanted me to improve."

Which players stand out for you?

"There are a lot of people. Wirtz has had a great season. Musiala, I've played against him, I like him a lot. You've seen the season Bellingham had. And I shared a dressing room with Grizi. He is a player I love."

Griezmann has reinvented his position a bit.

"Now he's like a false forward. He makes plays, scores goals, gives assists. He is super complete. When he was at Barcelona I laughed a lot. Very nice guy."

And when you were a child, who did you look up to?

"I looked up to Iniesta a lot. He didn't play in that 10 position, but he had the qualities to do it. In fact, he could play anywhere: as a winger, on the inside, on the outside. He had that ability to turn. David Silva also turned spectacularly. Players who know how to be between the lines, who know how to profile themselves to have an advantage over the opponent."

Is the twist the most important thing?

"With good control you can face the centre directly. If your back is turned, the midfield reaches you, you can't turn and everything becomes a bit more complicated."

How far in advance do you think about what you are going to do?

"When I'm on the pitch I don't think too much. I improvise. I shoot with the first thing that comes into my head. I know there are a lot of people who also visualise the gameplays or situations that can happen in a game. I don't do that. I prefer to go out on the pitch and do whatever comes out."

And what do you think about before the games?

"I try to be calm, I listen to the music playing in the locker room. Now we made a list with the teammates in which each one put a song. I put on Zero Hour by Myke Towers. It's good. At least nobody says to take it off when it's playing."

Did you like any of the other Euro teams?

"Germany is at a spectacular level. There are teams like England and France, who may not be playing a great role, but they have players who are going to get involved at any moment."

You don't see the title being only between Spain and Germany?

"Not at all. There are teams that are not playing at a good level, but they are going to do their best. There are people who say that you have to lose a game, look at the example of Argentina in the World Cup."

Is the player also winning?

"When you gain minutes you settle into the team. In a national team you don't know your teammates as much and you gain confidence. Surely we will improve"

You have arrived fresher, but without so much rhythm.

"When you don't have a competitive rhythm, it's noticeable. But when you have looser legs, you go all out. They always say that quality players don't have to run or defend, but I don't think like that. When everyone works, the team is better."

Do you finish games more tired than usual?

"No, I'm very well. Above all, because of the work I've done to get there. I have found something that has been very good for me."

What is it?

"A specific type of work for me. It's a secret [laughs]."

How do you get on with marketing?

"Well, I'm doing fine. At the beginning I didn't like it very much, but I've accepted it. The situation is worth it. It depends on what it is, I like it. There are some things that are more fun."

For example.

"When I take the photos for a campaign I get a bit lazy, but then when I see the result I like it."

When you arrive in a city and you see yourself on the posters, what do you think?

"Let's see if I look good [laughs]. My mother always passes them to me. The one in Doha was huge."

Who was the last person you made cry with laughter?

"I haven't made anyone here cry with laughter yet. But I will. I'm going to make Ferran Torres cry with laughter."

#pedri #pedri gonzalez #spain nt #*euros 2024 #*interview

50 notes · View notes