The floodlights were on, the pitch was glistening
The whole world watching, the players listening
To the roar of the crowd as they walked out that night
On what was supposed to be a footballing delight
A hero returned, to his home which once was
He was greeted by cheers and thunderous applause
Thousands of fans, singing his name
It was just like the old days, almost all the same
But this night he was, on the side of the foe
Even if on the night, he was reluctantly so
He lined up against old friends, it was what he had to do
Because the foe kept food on his table you know
The game kicked off, the battle began
The quest was on to see who can
Emerge victorious on the biggest stage
And in doing so write a page
Of the famed pages of footballing history
But just who would win, was a total mystery
The giants clashed, it was an epic in the making
Every player on the pitch knew how vital was taking
Any half-chance which may come his way
To help his team take the next step to a Wembley day
The game went on, the home team went ahead
On the night of champions, first blood was red
Then came the moment, which changed it all
A home player jumped in the air for the ball
But the referee did not like what he saw
And the player was sent off, distraught
The momentum shifted, the foe now attacked
And with a touch of genius, they pulled it back
The fans still roared, singing in the night
As the home team put up, an incredible fight
But in the end, it was to be in vain
A night of magic, turned into one of pain
The clinching moment, was written in the stars
The hero did what he had to do
He latched onto the end of a low pass
And struck a blow into every home fan’s heart
He never celebrated, out of heartfelt respect
For he remembered his roots, where he grew
As a player, and as a man
Showing the world, what he could do
The game ended, the final whistle blew
The home fans still sang, for they knew
Their team had made them all proud
And their voices never ceased to sing aloud
They still cheered for him, their hero of old
Of this magical night, stories will forever be told
He turned back the years, showing his desire
To create magic on the field, for all to admire
The hero was doubtless, the star of the game
Battling with emotion, he walked off the stage
And with his heart pounding, as he did so
He could still hear the fans singing, “Viva Ronaldo”
Abhinav Shukla 