I don't know if tha author actually had an original and good idea or he was just trying to be unoriginal again, but actually this might not be that bad of an inspiration story.
Just imagine, he played with aola star through all of his life and because of that he didn't really have any other accomplishments in his life, the only thing that can possibly give him any inspiration and determination is a true love, the only one he has that he holds dear (except his family I assume but yeah), and that only source of happiness has been taken away from him, so I think this is not that bad of a goal, I like it.