It was 9:30am and I was in front of the whole PSG team. The players took their usual seats, Galtier joining them this time. I scanned the room for Luca, who was nowhere to be found.

I took a deep breath and smiled, tears already trying to escape my eyes before I even started talking.

'Hey everyone.' I smiled warmly. 'Thank you so much for coming here with such short notice, but erm... I have a little announcement to make. However, before I get into it, I just want to say how incredible you all are. And how special you are.' I said, making them all smile. 'Being here, it's something you can only dream about. Working with you and getting to know what beautiful souls you have, it's something you can only dream about. But this dream, turned into reality for me... and I want to thank you. For everything. For being so welcoming and so kind and accepting me as one of you.' I nodded my head, a tear rolling down my cheek. 'Unfortunately, I won't be able to join you for another year.' I said looking down, as I could feel the tears racing down my cheeks. None of the players were saying anything, their eyes widened in shock, while Neymar was shaking his head and Kylian was looking down, fidgeting with his fingers. 'It's been an absolute honour being here and erm...' I shrugged my shoulders. 'And I don't think I'll ever be able to repay you for everything that you've taught me and offered me.' I wiped some tears away. 'I want you to know that the rumours... and the tabloids... and whatever people have to say about you...' I shook my head. 'means absolutely nothing. Because people only get to see what you let them see. And that's one of the most important things ever. They don't know you. They don't know the real you. So whatever the media throws at you guys, and whatever is written about you, I want you to keep that in mind.' I smiled. 'And I hope that whoever comes in my place, you'll welcome them just as warmly as you welcomed me. And erm...' I started chewing on my lower lip. 'I hope that one day I'll have the opportunity to bump into you again.' I covered my face, letting out a few sobs, while my tears were running down my cheeks uncontrollably.

As soon as I was done talking, the players got up and positioned themselves around me, sharing one big hug.

My heart was breaking for the second time, knowing that I'll have to leave behind people and places that I've called for so long my home.

After a while, I exited the meeting room and walked towards my office. Barging in I was met with a crying Luca, who was pacing around the room, but stopped as soon as he saw me.

I rushed towards him and wrapped my arms around him, my tears wetting his white shirt.

'Don't do this to me.' he said quietly, his head resting on mine.

'You'll be okay.' I said through sobs. 'You'll be okay.'

He didn't say anything, but I could feel his head shaking.

'You have the boys... and you have Andrea... and you'll be okay.' I reassured him.

'I don't want them...'

I took a step back, cupping his face with my hands. 'Luca.' I said, my eyes meeting his. 'No matter what... the bond me and you built... that's never going to go away.' I shook my head. 'No matter if we're next door neighbors or on the other side of the world. Do you understand?' he closed his eyes, shaking his head. 'Luca. I promise you.' our foreheads rested on eachother's.

'You don't have to leave. You can find another job here.' he said quietly.

'I can't. I can't be here. Not now.' I shook my head. 'I need time.'

'Please...'

'I'm sorry.' I said wrapping my arms around him one more time.

'I love you, Irina.'

'I love you.' he kissed my head as a response and walked out the office, leaving me all by myself.

***

After saying my goodbyes from a few of the players, including Messi, Marquinhos, Hakimi and Ramos, I was now in my favourite place, occupying a seat in the stands. Usually there was no one here, meaning that I get to enjoy the peacefulness alone. Just like I was right now. This place has been my home for so long, the idea of parting ways with it making me cry.

After a few minutes who felt like an eternity, I felt the seat next to me being taken over by someone. I didn't even have to look to know that the golden boy's eyes were searching for mine.

'Don't be going all soft on me now, too.' I said, my eyes finding his.

His eyes were red and puffy, a few dried tears covering his cheeks.

He's been crying. The golden boy's been crying. For me.

'How couldn't I?' Kylian shook his head and covered his face with his hands, mumbling something I wasn't able to understand. 'You don't have to leave, Irina.' he said, looking at me once again.

'But I do.' I shrugged my shoulders. 'Because this is how life works. You meet people, you go places and sometimes it lasts forever and sometimes it doesn't.' I smiled warmly, putting my hand over his.

He glanced at our hands, then back at me. 'You can't leave. Not now. We're finally friends.' he said with a light chuckle.

'And that's not gonna change.' I reassured. 'You did grow on me.' I said laughing.

'Let me speak to Galtier. I'll speak to whoever I need to.' he said with pleading eyes, but I shook my head in response.

'I don't want you to.'

'Why? Why not?'

'Kylian....' I sighed. 'I can't be here right now. I need to leave.'

'This is because of Neymar, isn't it?' he said frowning his eyebrows.

'I need you to understand.' I shrugged my shoulders.

He stood up and hit the chair in front of him, leaving me all alone.

No, this wasn't only about Neymar. I couldn't be here right now. Not after last night, not after today. Yes, I could find another job but... it's not what I wanted. Being here, at Paris Saint German, with these people... it's what kept me sane.