World football system

The warm breeze of late July drifted across the London skyline, brushing through the open windows of the Oliveira residence in Highgate. Inside, the atmosphere was calm yet lively, with the gentle hum of family life echoing through the home. Tobi sat on the living room floor, dressed in a simple grey Arsenal training shirt and black joggers, his arms playfully encircling Liam and Thiago, who wrestled over a plush dinosaur. Ava and Luna, meanwhile, lay sprawled across Emilia's lap on the couch, engrossed in the soft storybook she read aloud.

It had been nearly two months since Tobi had lifted his second Champions League trophy with Arsenal. The whirlwind of celebration had given way to domestic tranquility, and Tobi welcomed it with open arms. His days were filled with fatherhood, recovery, and the slow preparation for pre-season.

Despite the joy of family, Tobi knew his career was approaching a critical juncture. He had just turned 19, and the world of football was shifting. Several of his teammates were considering moves abroad, and the media buzzed about incoming talent. Tobi, though, felt grounded. Arsenal was his home now. He'd built something with the fans, the squad, and the city.

"Thiago, be nice to your brother," Emilia chided softly without looking up from the book. Tobi chuckled, pulling both boys closer and ruffling their curly hair.

"They'll be starting a midfield partnership before we know it," he joked, kissing both on the forehead.

Emilia laughed gently. Her baby bump had long disappeared, but she still glowed with the inner peace of motherhood. Her modeling gigs had resumed lightly, mostly from home, and she seemed perfectly content with this new chapter of their life.

Later that evening, as the children slept upstairs, Tobi sat on the balcony with Emilia, sharing a bottle of apple cider and watching the sun dip below the skyline.

"Do you ever miss the chaos?" Emilia asked, her head resting on his shoulder.

Tobi took a long breath. "Sometimes. The pressure, the tunnel walk, the roar of the crowd... it's all part of me. But this..." He looked at her, then toward the glowing baby monitors on the table. "This is what I never thought I could have."

She smiled. "And yet here you are."

Pre-season would begin in a week. Friendlies against Bayern, Napoli, and PSG were lined up. Tobi had already resumed light training, his body still tuned but not yet razor-sharp. He knew he would need to fight again—not just to stay relevant, but to evolve.

The doorbell buzzed. Tobi frowned and stood, peeking through the camera screen.

It was Edu Gaspar.

Tobi opened the door, eyebrows raised. "Evening, boss. Didn't expect a visit."

Edu offered a warm handshake and a cryptic smile. "I didn't want to call. Some things are better said in person."

Tobi stepped aside to let him in. Emilia stood up, greeting Edu with a smile before excusing herself upstairs.

Edu sat opposite Tobi in the dimly lit living room. He looked serious but not grim.

"You know what you mean to this club," Edu began. "Two Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues. A Ballon d'Or shortlist. You're more than a player now, Tobi. You're a symbol."

Tobi shifted, cautious. "You're buttering me up. What's the catch?"

Edu chuckled. "We want to offer you a long-term captaincy. And... we need to talk about your contract. Real Madrid and Man City are circling. PSG too."

Tobi's eyes narrowed slightly, then he leaned back. "I'm not going anywhere."

Edu nodded, pleased. "Good. Then let's build around you. And more than that—let's make this your era."

As Edu left, Tobi stood alone in the doorway for a moment, the weight of legacy suddenly tangible on his shoulders.

Upstairs, the cries of one of the babies stirred. Tobi smiled and walked quietly back in.

Champions League nights, golden boots, transfer rumors—they could all wait.

Tonight, he was just Daddy.

And that, to him, was everything.

The soft chirping of birds filtered through the half-open window, mingling with the golden rays of early morning sunlight that spilled onto the bedroom floor. Tobi lay on his back, his right arm curled gently around Emilia, whose head rested on his chest. On his left side, Ava and Luna snuggled against him, still asleep. Liam and Thiago were in their cribs, just a few steps away. The air was warm, filled with a peace Tobi hadn't felt in months — not since the grueling Champions League run had consumed his days and nights.

He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

This was what he had fought for — the medals, the records, the praise, all paled next to this: his family. His home. A life of meaning beyond the pitch.

A tiny hand tugged at his shirt. Ava blinked up at him, eyes as bright as Emilia's, her curls messy from sleep. "Papa… hungry," she whispered, her voice still heavy with sleep.

Tobi smiled softly and kissed her forehead. "Alright, princesa. Let's get you and your sister some breakfast."

Emilia stirred beside him, her lips curling into a sleepy smile. "You're up already?"

"Yeah," Tobi whispered, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "I've got the morning shift. You rest."

She nodded and drifted back into sleep as Tobi gently slid out of bed, cradling Ava in one arm and lifting Luna in the other. He tiptoed toward the nursery, checking on the boys. Thiago had one sock off and a grin on his face as if he'd already started plotting mischief. Liam stirred quietly, fists balled up like a tiny warrior.

An hour later, the kitchen buzzed with the quiet clatter of cereal bowls, giggles, and Liam's baby babbling. Tobi wore an apron over his sleeveless shirt, humming lightly as he prepped fruit slices for the girls. He turned toward the dining room where the sunlight lit up drawings Emilia had hung the night before — family portraits scribbled in crayon by Ava and Luna.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated on the counter.

[Mikel Arteta]: Morning, champ. Just checking in. How's the family? We'll finalize pre-season dates this week. No rush — your full recovery time with the kids is more than deserved.

Tobi replied with a quick photo of Ava wearing his Champions League medal, followed by:

[Tobi Oliveira]: All good, boss. They're my real trophies.