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Son Heung-min reveals post-retirement plans: 'I won't let my son play soccer'
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Sports

Son Heung-min reveals post-retirement plans: 'I won't let my son play soccer'

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Son Heung-min revealed his post-retirement plans, stating he will not encourage his son to pursue a career in soccer.
  • The Tottenham Hotspur captain expressed a desire for his son to experience a life beyond professional sports.
  • He emphasized the importance of a normal life and avoiding the pressures of professional football for his child.

Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min has outlined his vision for life after his playing career, revealing a surprising plan for his future family: he does not intend to steer his son toward professional football.

Son, a national hero in South Korea and a global icon in the sport, expressed a desire for his child to experience a life free from the intense pressures and demands of professional athletics. He believes that a career in football, while rewarding, comes with significant sacrifices and a unique set of challenges that he would prefer his son to avoid.

"I don't want my son to play soccer. I want him to live a normal life," Son stated, as reported by Chosun Ilbo. This sentiment underscores a desire for his offspring to have a more conventional upbringing and a broader range of life experiences, unburdened by the relentless training, public scrutiny, and physical toll associated with elite sports.

The captain's perspective suggests a deep understanding of the sacrifices required to reach the pinnacle of professional football and a wish to shield his own child from that demanding path. Instead, he envisions a future where his son can explore various interests and live a life less defined by the singular pursuit of athletic excellence.

I don't want my son to play soccer. I want him to live a normal life.

โ€” Son Heung-minRevealing his plans for his son's future career.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.