Nestled in the mountains of the small Bosnian city of Mostar lie a football club called HSK Zrinjski Mostar.
In search of the path these legends once walked, I found my way to this club.
The pitch here is in poor condition, far worse than some school fields. The stadium has fewer than a thousand seats, the facilities are basic and worn down.
And yet, this is the place where they once ran and fought with all their heart.
Today, they are two of the most prominent stars in world footballs, their names known across the globe. They have built their legacies through extraordinary performances, but here--here you'd never know they were once part of this place.
Rusty iron fences, drab walls, yellowing grass, and faded graffiti.
I carefully searched every corner, but found no trace of their presence -- as if they never existed.
I walked around the pitch a few times. In a nearby training camp, a fierce-looking coach was shouting orders at a group of children during training.
I had heard that the Bosnian league is extremely physical. I could imagine how difficult it must have been for them back when they were still scrawny kids.
After several rounds around the pitch, still without finding anything meaningful, I sat down in the stands, feeling a little dejected.
The setting sun cast mottled shadows through the barriers onto the worn-out field, making the run-down stadium appear even more dilapidated.
I sat in a dazed for awhile, then stood up to leave.
It was then that I encountered an old woman riding a bicycle. I couldn't understand what she was saying so I opened a translation app. The word on the screen read:
" You must be here for them, right? We knew long ago--those two kids were destined to become the brightest star in the world "
Under the slanting rays of the sun, the old woman smiled, and the wrinkles on her face deepened.
She said something more, and I hurriedly translated again:
" I've always cherished those years deeply-- the morning that were filled with hope and sunshine. They brought new energy to HSK "
" They endured hard time, faced countless challenges and dangers,but never gave in. They climbed mountain after mountain and in the end, carved their names among the stars! "
" Yes! This is where it all began! "
(Note: The Prolouge is written in first person, but the main story is in third person)