The Theatre of Dreams....

 Out of Syllabus 17

I could hear the roar. It felt like thunder. Roaring, taking on me as i stepped out of dugout. The world around me is RED, which tensed and scared me. I could feel the hopes of 1000s on me. But once I touched the grass, I was in my world.

I am a RED DEVIL. It was a dream come true for me when i posed with Sir Alex Ferguson with no 7 red jersey at Old Trafford. Jersey worn by legends like Bechkam, Ronaldo & Owen. And playing with Ferdinand, Vidic, Rooney and my fav RYAN GIGGS. Last but not least SAF, the best manager of the world.

Hailing from Gods own country, I never hoped, even in my wildest dreams that I would play for Man  United. But i dreamed playing at Old Trafford against arch rivals Liverpool along with my heros. That gave me passion for the Black & White ball of 22cm diameter. I scored again and again, imagining i was at Theatre of Dreams. It was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on his visit to India, who noticed me. And thus I flew to England.

It was the final game of the season, against Chelsea. A win can ensure 20th championship for Man U whereas a draw will ensure that title goes to Anfield. All was worried about the injury ridden Man U midfield. Hence SAF had to depend on evergreen GIGGS. 1st eleven was. De Gea, Smalling, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Fletcher, Cleverly, Giggs, Nani, Rooney and Chicharito with Amos, Jones, Anderson, Berbatov and me in the benches. The stadium was jam packed. All cheering for Red Devils' 20th title.

The game got on and we started beautifully. Till 1st half we were leading for two goals from Rooney. But 2nd half turned out to be chelsea's and two braces from Torres, man who had found it difficult to score in blue jersey, put them back. To add to the woes, Nani got injured. That was when my name was called out by SAF, with just 5 minutes left on the clock.

I could not believe that my dream became true. It reflected on my touches, fans too could feel it. But they roared for me. I felt home. We started to take the attack on to Chelsea post, but somehow it was getting tougher to score. Time trickled down and game went on to injury time. With just seconds left on the clock, i got the ball. I dribbled past Lampard and Cole and took the ball into box. I could see Rooney and Chicharito in the box but they were marked by men. I could see Giggs blasting in on left side. But in the center i could see a man coming in past his markers ready to strike. In my mind i felt he is the person. I crossed the ball towards my captain. Vidic powered in a bullet header which rocketed past Cech and blasted the net. I was over the moon when entire team ran towards me to celebrate. I felt like I ruled the world when Rooney passed the EPL cup on to my hands. I saw world turning red.. my view was blocked with tears...