A Dream That Came True

Ermelindo was born in a small community in Picos, from a very poor family.
When he was a little boy, he used to play with his cousins and friends in a small
street close to his house. One day, his father gave him a ball made of old socks and
pieces of clothes. For Ermilindo, it was the best present he has ever received. Since
that day, Ermilindo started playing football every time he could. When he went to
school, his favorite game during the break was playing football with his best friends
and classmates.
One day, Ermelindo´s uncle gave his family a very old fashioned television,
but for him it was the first opportunity to watch a football match on the TV. It was
fantastic! That day, Ermilindo knew his idol: Cristiano Ronaldo. He started to follow
Ronaldo and to research everything he could about him and about the football he
played. One day he told his father that he wanted to be just like Cristiano Ronaldo.
At age12, Ermilindo went to high school and he had to attend Physical
Education classes. The only sport that he wanted to play was obviously, football.
Then, we no surprise, he was considered the best player in his school. So, Ermelindo
realized that he could choose it as a profession.
When Ermelindo was 17 years old, he dropped out school in order to follow his
big dream. At beginning, it was not that easy because his parents didn’t want to
accept his decision, but he was strong enough to convince their family about the
importance of his dream. Just 6 months after he dropped out the school, Ermelindo
received a very pleasant invitation from the best Cape Verdean football team:
Sporting CP. It was fantastic! At that time, Ermelindo was having his first
opportunity to be a professional player.
Things couldn’t start better! At his first official match, Ermelindo simply
scored 3 amazing goals. It was a good beginning, but a road for a perfect ending.
Ermilindo only played one year in Cape Verde, because on the following year, he
was invited by Real Madrid to shine in Spain with the best world stars.
Now, Ermilindo is 20 years old and he is considered one of the best young
players all around the world. Thus, Ermelindo said in his last interview that he is a
very happy, not because of the fame or money, but because he is doing what he likes.
For him, doing what you like is the best job in the world.

CARLOS VIEIRA, in Short Stories