Atletico Madrid's French international, Lucas Hernandez, has revealed that he and his brother Theo, at Real Sociedad on loan from Real Madrid, haven't seen their father, the ex-Rayo and Atleti player Jean Francois Hernandez, for over a decade.
Despite the difficult family situation, the support of his mother has ensured that both Lucas and Theo were able to pursue their dreams of professional football.
"I owe everything to her, she's the one who brought us up, who took my brother and I to football, who worked I don't know how many hours to feed us," he said to Le Parisien.
"What I am is thanks to her.
"We've not heard from our father for 12 or 13 years, not even after winning the World Cup.
"Now that I'm a father, I'm even more aware of what he's done, that he has failed in his father's role.
"What I can't imagine is giving up my son, I would never do it, and even if I have to sleep under a bridge for my son's happiness, I will."
Though their professional careers have headed in different directions, the bond between Lucas and Theo is as strong as ever.
"I am his older brother and protector," Lucas continued.
"We've had difficult moments, but we've always been together and when he needed me, I was there.
"There has always been a great connection between us, he is my little brother and my best friend, and even today our links are very strong."
It's been a hugely successful year for Lucas, but the player has admitted that it's changed him as a person.
"My son Martin has changed my life, my way of thinking, of seeing the world, before I only thought of myself and now everything I do is for him," he added.
"I am not the same man anymore.
"Six months ago I didn't even know that I would go to the World Cup, but today I am a world champion and father.
"In a few years, when he is older, I will tell him about this incredible summer."
Lionaire
0
And now lucas is the future best left back..now he is in top 5
DanielTaylor
1
such a touching story ..football for life lessons
FrancisGasdac
1
kids are the easiest thing to do,the hardest to raise well.
stenco2017
5
Family they said is everything especially when you have both parents with you.Being raised by a single parent is not easy.that's why I always respect mothers who does everything they can to give their kids a better life when the other partner abandon or leave them behind. Lucas your mum will be proud of you and your brother.
stenco2017
1
Mothers are heroes.
I am a living witness to that..
stenco2017
0
until you hear people's story you won't understand the difficulties they face in life
exactly
Sokanola
6
Mothers are heroes.
Vikram95
5
Family should always come first and I'm glad that Lucas can prioritise family over club rivalries which are inconsequential . I feel really bad for them after hearing about their father but I'm glad they pulled through and have got to where they are on sheer will and perseverance
chango25
5
that is truly emotional Lucas you are role model to a lot of football players keep your brother and son up be like a father to your younger brother too and give everything he would have been got from his father.
neselrt
4
Wonderful guy. Kudos to all the good mothers out there who double as fathers. Be to your son what your dad wasn't for you.
lekz007
3
thanks to all mothers who care about their children... I'm really excited you are a great son, father and a great man in the world today.. keep it up Lucas
am_fresh
4
until you hear people's story you won't understand the difficulties they face in life
HarryMukete
4
It's very difficult to be raised by a single parent but I'm sure your mom will be proud of you both
am_fresh
3
this guy is superb. ..his performance yesterday was so fantastic. .he created a lot of chances for France