The Utrecht training facility was quieter than usual during the pre-season break, with only a few players maintaining their fitness routines before the official team sessions began. Amani arrived early, eager to begin his physical preparation for what promised to be the most demanding season of his career. The Europa League would require a level of fitness and sharpness that he had never needed before.
As he approached the main pitch, Amani heard the familiar sound of a ball being struck cleanly, followed by laughter and animated conversation in Dutch. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized the voices - voices he hadn't heard together in over a year, not since their academy days when they had conquered Ajax in the 2012 Future Cup final.
"No way..." he whispered to himself, quickening his pace.
