Amsterdam
Early November 2017
Success brought attention. Uncomfortable, relentless attention.
After the Bayern goal, Andrei's life transformed overnight. Dutch newspapers ran front-page stories: "Ajax's Romanian Gem Shines in Munich." International media picked up the narrative: "Europe's Elite Hunt 18-Year-Old Wonderkid."
His Instagram followers hit 500,000. Brand representatives approached Sarmale with endorsement offers—Nike, Adidas, EA Sports for FIFA 19, various European companies wanting to associate with the season's breakout star.
"We need to be strategic," Sarmale advised during a phone call. "Accept the right opportunities, decline everything else. You're eighteen—overexposure can damage your brand as much as help it."
"I just want to play football."
"I know. But this is the reality of success. Manage it properly, and it funds your future. Mismanage it, and it becomes a distraction."
They agreed on a conservative approach: one major equipment deal (Nike, already in place through Ajax), one video game appearance (FIFA 19 ratings boost and promotional work), and selective interview opportunities. Everything else—declined.
Ajax's November schedule was punishing:
November 4: Ajax 4-1 Sparta Rotterdam (Eredivisie)
Andrei: 1 goal, 2 assists
Rating: 8.9/10
November 11: Vitesse 2-2 Ajax (Eredivisie)
Andrei: 1 assist
Rating: 7.3/10
Dropped points in title race
November 18: NAC Breda 0-3 Ajax (Eredivisie)
Andrei: Rested (managed load)
Ajax dominated without him
November 21: Ajax vs Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League - Matchday 5)
The biggest match yet
Updated Eredivisie Standings (After 15 matches):
PSV Eindhoven - 37 points
Ajax - 35 points
AZ Alkmaar - 30 points
Feyenoord - 28 points
PSV had overtaken Ajax after the Vitesse draw. The title race was knife-edge, every match crucial.
But the Champions League took priority. PSG at the Amsterdam Arena on November 21st—win, and Ajax would virtually secure qualification to the knockout rounds. Lose, and everything became uncertain.
International Break - November 2017
Romania had two crucial fixtures: a friendly against Turkey and a Nations League preparation match. Cosmin Contra called up Andrei again, wanting to integrate him further into the senior setup.
But after consulting with Ajax's medical staff, Bosz approached Andrei directly.
"The Romania matches—do you need to go?"
"They're friendlies. Not competitive."
"You've played sixteen matches in ten weeks. Your body needs rest, not international travel and more football." Bosz's voice was firm but caring. "I'm giving you permission to withdraw. Use the break to recover properly."
"Won't that upset the national team?"
"Probably. But they'll understand. You're eighteen—if you break down now, you're no good to anyone."
Andrei called Contra personally to explain. The coach was disappointed but understanding.
"Your club comes first. I get it. But Andrei—when competitive matches start, I expect you available."
"Absolutely, Mister. I won't miss important games."
Instead of traveling to Romania, Andrei spent the international break in Amsterdam. Mostly sleeping, receiving treatment from Ajax's physiotherapists, doing light recovery work.
Elena took time off from work, and they spent quality time together—walking through Vondelpark, watching movies on their couch, cooking traditional Romanian food that Andrei desperately missed.
"You're finally relaxing," Elena observed one evening.
"Feels wrong. Shouldn't I be training?"
"You've been training non-stop for four months. Your body needs this." She kissed him softly. "Champions aren't built through constant work. They're built through smart work—training hard, then recovering properly."
Physical Recovery:
Fatigue: 73% → 94% (significant restoration)
Injury Risk: Minimal (proper rest implemented)
Overall Condition: Excellent for PSG match
On the break's final day, they visited his mother in Iași. Ana had traveled to Amsterdam once in September but found the city overwhelming. She preferred her small apartment in Moldova, surrounded by familiar faces and rhythms.
"You look tired," Ana said immediately upon seeing Andrei.
"I'm fine, Mama."
"Don't lie to your mother. I can see exhaustion in your eyes."
Over traditional sarmale and mămăligă, they talked about everything—his performances, his life in Amsterdam, his relationship with Elena (Ana approved wholeheartedly), his future plans.
"Are you happy ? Truly happy?"
Andrei considered the question carefully. "Yes. It's exhausting, overwhelming, sometimes frightening. But I'm living the dream Tată and I shared. How could I not be happy?"
"Good. Because success without happiness is just slavery."
They spent the night in Iași, Andrei sleeping in his childhood bedroom surrounded by old Hagi posters and faded photographs. In the morning, his mother made cozonac—the sweet bread he'd loved since childhood.
"For luck against Paris," she said, wrapping it carefully. "Show them what Romanian players can do."