Shark, they owe you a party

The first photograph of the La Liga champions Barça is in the visiting locker room at the RCDE Stadium. The players, still sweaty, are dressed in their match uniforms. Some even have their boots on. A picture with many protagonists, around forty people, with their arms raised, thumbs and fists up, and endless smiles on their faces. A family photo, however, is incomplete. One player is missing who has been an active part of this team's La Liga successes, but he couldn't play in the derby. He couldn't even go to Cornellà-el Prat. Ferran Torres isn't there.

Ferran has demonstrated on more than one occasion his mental strength, his ability to overcome and his resilience.

Twenty-four hours before the derby, he had to undergo emergency surgery for appendicitis. An unforeseen event that forces Ferran to train, once again, his resilience. After nine months of competition, the operation and subsequent hospital recovery prevent him from replacing Lewandowski and becoming the catalyst that has breathed life into Barça so often this season. He can't play, nor can he experience firsthand Lamine Yamal's stunning goal, or Fermín's, or the burst of euphoria at the final whistle. He can't receive a hug from any of his teammates, or the congratulations from his coach, nor can he dance or sing. The turmoil in the locker room enters his hospital room through his mobile phone screen, with a video call from Iñigo Martínez.

Ferran has demonstrated on more than one occasion his mental strength, his ability to overcome challenges, and his resilience. This time, however, the challenge is especially demanding. Missing out on the La Liga title celebrations is frustrating and borders on unfair. With his 10 goals in the regular competition and his commitment, the Foios-born forward also deserved to experience arriving at the Ciutat Esportiva amidst a cloud of flares and chants, and to sing his heart out, singing football anthems with the fans. He won't be there in these images for posterity either.

There's one image from the night, however, where Ferran isn't there either, but he's the protagonist. Emulating Pancho, Bea, Desi, or Piraña strolling through that Verano Azul , some of his companions have taken their bicycles to Barcelona Hospital. Dani Olmo, Eric, Pedri, and, once again, Iñigo, burst into the room in the early hours to bring him a few sparks of the champions' joy. Something more than just companions, like the group of summer friends from Nerja.

Ferran also won't be included in the compilation of the best images of the champions' parade. He saw it through the TV3 special, from the room where he remains hospitalized. Without an appendix, but aware that those on the open-top bus remember him well. And that many of the people gathering in the streets of Barcelona also wanted to see him. The Shark, who will have to bite the bullet once again. And always coming back stronger. Ferran, they owe you a party.