Tottenham's South Korean star Son Heung-min has given an insight into the dedication to football that helped him reach the top level and how he plans to stay there for as long as possible.
Son has been named as the Best Footballer in Asia by Titan Sports in four of the last five years and is his country's chief talisman, having netted 23 goals in 72 senior appearances, as well as leading South Korea to a gold medal at the Asian Games.
He is one of Tottenham's most affable players and often resembles someone who has a very laid-back and carefree attitude, but the truth is that there are few footballers more dedicated to their craft.
Speaking to The Guardian, Son revealed the impact his father, former professional footballer Son Woong-jung, played in his sporting development as a child.
Recalling a story from when he was 10 years old, Son said: 'He gave us (me and my brother) four hours of keepy-uppies. Both of us. After about three hours, I was seeing three balls. The floor was red (through bloodshot eyes). I was so tired. And he was so angry. I think this was the best story and we still talk about it when we are all together. Four hours keeping the ball up and you don't drop it. That's difficult, no?'
Son conceded that it was not four consecutive hours of keepy-uppies, but told another story to highlight how strict his dad was when it came to football.
'When I was 10 or 12, he came in to coach my school team and we were training, 15 or 20 players,' Son explained. 'The programme was for us all to keep the balls up for 40 minutes. When someone dropped the ball, my father would not say anything. But as soon as I dropped it, he made us all start over from the beginning.
'The players understood, because I was his son and, yeah, it was tough. But when you think about it now, this was the right way.'
Son is now in his fourth season at Tottenham and seems to be in a very happy relationship with the club.
He is under contract until 2023 but when it comes to relationships of a more romantic nature, the 26-year-old plans to wait before tying the knot.
Son — who has previously be linked with Korean pop stars Bang Min-ah and Yoo So-young, but is currently single — added: 'My father says this and I agree, as well. When you marry, the number one will be family, wife and kids, and then football.
'I want to make sure that while I play at the top level, football can be number one. You don't know how long you can play at the top level. When you retire, or when you are 33 or 34, you can still have a long life with your family.'
