Once upon a time in the bustling city of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, there lived a young boy named Abel. Growing up in a modest neighbourhood, Abel faced numerous hardships, but his unwavering passion for football ignited a fire within him. His dream was to one day play for Arsenal FC in the UK, and he was determined to make it a reality.

Abel's parents, his father a skilled mechanic and his mother a hardworking cleaner at the Samrat Hotel, had always supported their son's aspirations, despite their own struggles. They believed in Abel's talent and encouraged him to chase his dreams, even though they themselves had limited means.

Abel had three close friends who shared his love for the beautiful game. Tsegaye, a talented midfielder with a knack for playmaking, became Abel's confidant and constant companion. Befekadu, a determined defender with a never-give-up attitude, always pushed Abel to strive for greatness. And lastly, there was Sofia, a skilful winger with a fiery spirit, who constantly motivated Abel to overcome any obstacles he faced.

One day, as Abel's mother was cleaning the rooms at the Samrat Hotel, she struck up a conversation with a guest named Tristan Lewis, who happened to be a scout for Arsenal FC. Overwhelmed with pride for her son, she couldn't help but share Abel's story and his dream of playing for Arsenal. Tristan was captivated by Abel's journey and promised to keep an eye out for him.

News of Abel's encounter with Tristan quickly spread through the neighbourhood, and some locals, envious of Abel's potential success, decided to set up a trial to challenge his skills. Unbeknownst to Abel, Tristan attended the trial in disguise to witness his abilities firsthand.

Abel showcased his talent, dribbling past opponents with finesse, scoring incredible goals, and displaying his unyielding determination. Little did he know that Tristan, who was watching from the sidelines, was impressed by his performance and saw immense potential in him.

Shortly after the trial, Abel's mother received a life-changing phone call. It was Tristan, inviting Abel to the UK for a trial with Arsenal FC's youth team. Overjoyed by the news, Abel and his family embraced the opportunity with open arms, despite the bittersweet feeling of leaving their home behind.

Adapting to life in the UK and the bustling streets of London was not easy for young Abel. The culture shock, language barrier, and unfamiliar surroundings presented significant challenges. Nevertheless, Abel's determination and resilience kept him pushing forward.

Through his unwavering dedication and relentless training, Abel caught the attention of Arsenal's youth academy coaches. Impressed by his skills, work ethic, and passion for the game, Abel was offered a youth scholarship, which provided him with additional training and support.

Abel's journey was far from over. He faced setbacks and obstacles along the way, but his determination never wavered. With each passing day, he honed his skills, both on and off the field, until the day finally arrived when Abel signed his first professional contract with Arsenal FC.

Abel's remarkable story of triumph against all odds, from his humble beginnings in Dire Dawa to becoming a professional football player, inspired countless individuals around the world. His perseverance, the unwavering support of his friends, and the love and sacrifices of his parents were the driving forces behind his success.

Abel's journey from the streets of Dire Dawa to the hallowed grounds of Arsenal FC serves as a reminder that dreams can come true with hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in oneself. And so, Abel's name became a symbol of hope and inspiration for aspiring footballers everywhere, showing them that no dream is too big to achieve.

By Willber Willberforce