Son Heung-min’s dad orders him not marry until he retires… after making him do FOUR hours of keepy-ups a day as kid
The humble South Korean forward still lives with his parents in a three-bed apartment despite his Tottenham success
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SON HEUNG-MIN has revealed his dad has told him not to get married until he retires... after he made the Spurs star do FOUR hours of keepy-ups a day as a kid.
The South Korean forward, who has enjoyed his best season to date, also confessed that he models his game on five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 26-year-old, who has netted 14 times in 23 appearances this year, has become an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Son attributes his success to his father's strong desire to see him succeed after he once imposed a punishment of kick-ups for fighting with his older brother.
The Tottenham star told the : “He gave us 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.
"When I was 10 or 12, he came in to coach my school team and we were training, 15 or 20 players. 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.
“I am so grateful to them (his parents) and I really am grateful for every single opportunity to make this. I know that being a professional is about more than talent.
"It’s like my idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, who actually works more than the talent he has. I see many players who don’t have the mentality, who think that talent is enough. But it’s not.”
Son has already shown his attitude towards hard-work several times, having taken part in the World Cup, Asian Games and Tottenham's commitments over the past year.
Despite his success, the Spurs midfielder's career was faced with being interrupted by South Korea's mandatory military service before Son's heroics last summer.
Son earnt an exempt from national duty after securing a gold medal win in the Asian Games with a 2-1 extra-time win over Japan last September.
His father, Son Woong-jung, who was a former professional himself, remains keen for his boy to avoid any other off-field distractions that may harm his football.
The 26-year-old has previously dated Korean pop stars Bang Min-ah and Yoo So-young, but the now-single star has been advised to hold off on marriage until he retires.
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Son 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.”