“My son Son Heung-min’s early days at Tottenham were indescribably painful… What I held on to at that time”

[김지은의 ‘삶도’ 인터뷰] Son Woong-jeong②

“We are pushing for a transfer because we are not able to participate in games very often…
Whenever I’m in pain, I hold on to the book as if I’m praying.”
“Sacrificing my life for my son? “I’ve grown too.”
“Sixty is the magic age, my prime is ahead.”

Son Woong-jeong (62), coach of SON Soccer Academy, once said, “The only thing left for me besides soccer is reading books” (book ‘Everything Starts with the Basics’).

He quenched his thirst for books since childhood and the world’s prejudice that ‘athletes are ignorant’ through reading. Reading books later became a support and weapon whenever he faced difficult times in his life.

-I was impressed by the fact that you referred to books as ‘an essential tool for survival.’

“I am the one who 100% benefited from the book. I believe that the key to opening the future is the hand holding the book. “In the future, there will come an era where people who have read two books will dominate those who have read only one book.”

-When was a time when it was difficult enough to hold on to a book so desperately?

“It was the year after Heung-min went to the Premier League (2016). At the time, coach Pochettino (of Tottenham Hotspur) did not play in the game, so he even said he would transfer. He even talked about everything, including the actual transfer. But they don’t send them out and don’t let them play in the game. It was very difficult back then. “I remember one time, to overcome that difficult task, I read an entire book in one sitting for four hours.”

-What was the book about?

“I don’t remember that.”

-I read it not because it was that book, but because I had to read it.

“that’s right. There was no way to win. Because I don’t drink or smoke. I have never overcome a difficult situation by doing something that was harmful to my body. That’s a psychological escape for a while. At that time, I sat on the living room floor with my back on the sofa and read a book for four hours. Later, when I tried to get up, my body became stiff and I couldn’t lower my neck. “The memory is so vivid.”

◇The pain of seeing my son unable to play

-It was so painful that I held on to the book.

“that’s right. “It was a situation where there was nothing I could do.”

-What changed after reading the book?

“Once I calmed down and regained my composure. “During that time, whenever I was having a hard time, I listened to books.”

-It was like a prayer.

“Yes. “When I’m having a hard time, the only thing I can do is read a book or exercise.”

-Is it because of how difficult it was?

“It was truly… a pain that cannot be described in words. I still talk to Heungmin. ‘Heungmin, when your father first told you that you were going to start playing soccer, he only watched soccer with you. I still do.’ Salary and other things, even now I don’t know or care about those things. Actors are happy when they are on stage, and soccer players are happy when they are on the field. But that wasn’t possible at the time.”

At the time, Coach Pochettino rarely used Son as a starting player. He even came on as a substitute in the 44th minute of the second half when the game was decided. Instead, Erik Lamela, who plays the same position as Son (wing striker), used to start. There were complaints among fans that “they prefer it because the coach is from Argentina, just like them.” Son recalled that time in an interview and said, “I almost left Tottenham at that time. “He even told coach Pochettino that he was not comfortable here and wanted to return to Germany,” he said.

-The pain of not being able to run is that great.

“I am like that. Whether Heung-min is in Germany or England, it is important for him to start and play for the team. Even if the salary is less, players must play to develop and grow. Success does not come first. Money can come naturally if you do what you want and reach a certain level. “I grew up in a very poor environment and still have no money, but money has never been the first priority in my life.”

◇Reading is also passed down from generation to generation.

-You once said of Son Heung-min that you hoped he would become a ‘soccer player who loves books.’

“That’s why I underlined good books. Now that my kids are all grown up, I don’t want to nag them, so when I’m with my friends, I vaguely tell them about the contents of the book that would be good for them to know. “Later, when I saw Heung-min speaking during the interview, I thought, ‘Ah, that must have stayed in my mind.’”

-Was Son Heung-min, your second son, the first to ask you to teach him soccer?

“It was around the end of second grade in elementary school. At that time, I was traveling to various places and giving soccer classes. I followed along before that, but it wasn’t until I started my third year that I decided to try it in earnest. “The first (Son Heung-yoon, head coach of SON Soccer Academy) started a little late, and the second (Son Heung-min) definitely had better potential than the first.”

-You said you started after promising yourself three times, ‘Soccer is extremely difficult, but are you still going to do it?’

“that’s right.”

-I think he may have felt sorry for his eldest son because he later went to Germany with him and looked after Son Heung-min.

“I told my older child, ‘If you think soccer goes this far, you can quit midway. But live your life doing whatever you like. It’s important to live your life happily. And he would say, ‘Your father is behind you.’”

-In the interview, Son said, “To me, my father is my soccer senior, friend, and teacher. “My father is a perfect person in every way,” he once said.

“(Smiling for a while and not being able to open his mouth easily) This is the first time I’ve heard Heungmin say that. He just always tried to live diligently. The thought is, ‘If you live carelessly today, you will only get sick fruit tomorrow.’ What is time? It’s the capital of your life. I believe that both leading by example and frugality are passed down from generation to generation. “Parents can just ask their children to read books while watching TV or using their cell phones.”

-Son also said this. “His father gave up his life for me.”

“He may think so, but I don’t. It was a time for Heungmin to grow, but it was also a time for me to grow. That’s not a sacrifice. “I did what any parent should do.”

Then he smiled broadly and said: “These days, people around me say, ‘I’m over 60 years old, but this is my miracle age and my prime.’ haha.”

◇The first autograph made after the publication of the first book

The heyday, ‘Son Woong-jeong’s own time’, will probably begin in October 2021, when the first book was published. When he stays in Korea, he not only serves as the coach of the SON Soccer Academy, but also attends autograph sessions and lectures as an author.

-A lot of things have changed since I published my first book, ‘Everything Starts from the Basics,’ which contains that kind of life.

“They say they go to autograph sessions. Each and every one of them was so precious. How grateful he is. Even if I go down to the countryside and come up early the next day, I meet everyone who comes and sign autographs.”

His autograph is unique. In Kleung, the name given to him by his father, Ba-reul-jeong is written in Chinese character abbreviation. Even the autographs and the way they are signed are like the wind. When you look at it from the side, you can hear a whooshing sound.

-When did you make the sign?

“I made it right before my first book came out. People say that because it is so concise, the sense of speed is good. “It’s full of energy.”

-What do you feel like when you meet readers at autograph sessions or lectures?

“I can only feel grateful. When I published my first book, I thought it would be nice to deliver a positive message to at least one person. The same goes for the second book. Additionally, I hope that I will not cause any inconvenience to the publishing company.”

-I think ‘Son Woong-jeong’s time’ will begin after the end of 2021.

“Parents also have to maintain a distance from their children depending on their age. Now is the time for my children to live their lives and for me to live my life.”

He also draws a strict line on the money Son Heung-min earns. This is because of the thought, “How can I be honorable to my children if I spend the money they earned?” (‘Everything starts from the basics’). After his eldest son, head coach Son Heung-yoon, started a family, he never went to his son’s and his wife’s house. His rule is that if you have to eat, you meet at a restaurant, and if you have to meet, you meet outside.

-Still, there must be times when you give advice to Son Heung-min.

“On days when the game is good, I don’t say anything. But on days when the game is hard, I wait until they come and give me a hug. And then tell me. ‘They say a live dog is better than a dead lion. I wish I didn’t get hurt. Just play the next game. The game can’t be good every time. are you okay.'”

That was the case in the match between Tottenham and Newcastle held on the 13th (Korean time). Tottenham lost 0 to 4 to the home team, Newcastle. He called and told his son. “The game can’t always be good. It’s the same as our life. I started playing soccer because I liked it. Even if the economy is a little bad, I hope you can maintain a happy mind. “I just wish I didn’t get hurt.”

Director Son said: “Maybe if Heungmin becomes a father too, you’ll know what I mean. “What parents want most is to see their children live healthy and happy lives.”

◇A hug for about 8 seconds… Better than a hundred words

-I saw him hug each of the youth players after training at SON Soccer Academy.

“When I was in Germany, when I came back to Korea, my children were waiting for me. I was happy to see him, so I started hugging him. Even though the training is really harsh, when it’s over, the kids come rushing to me. Ask for a hug. (smile)”

-What is the power of a hug?

“They say one demonstration is better than a hundred explanations. “I think one warm hug conveys a greater message than a hundred words.”

The hug between him and his son immediately after the 2019 UEFA Champions League final is also a scene that many people remember. Tottenham lost to Liverpool and had to stay in second place. After the game, Son Heung-min, his shoulders drooping, saw his father in the stands and came over the fence. Director Son hugged his son.

-What did you say at that time?

“‘Heungmin, it’s okay. ‘You weren’t hurt.’ Then I hugged him without saying a word.”

-That time was about 8 seconds.

“Only at that level will it be conveyed psychologically and your mind will recover.”

-I think my father would be heartbroken if I got injured.

“Oh my, injuries are inevitable in sports. If you get injured, ‘I was driving too fast. ‘Let’s take a rest since we fell.’ That’s right.”

-At the ‘2023 Qatar Asian Cup’ held this year, an injury occurred outside the stadium. At the time, there was a fight between the national team players and it was widely reported. Did you give Son any advice at the time?

“I never do anything like that. “It’s not my business to interfere.”

-I think there must have been a problem in the director’s eyes due to that incident.

“Skill comes from humility, and pride comes from ignorance. I think people who reach the top in any field should remember that and manage themselves more sensitively. What does the Taegeuk mark mean? The Taegeuk mark contains the faces of all 50 million people. When we started playing soccer, everyone’s dream was to have the Taegeuk symbol on their left chest. “We must always remember its meaning and weight.”

◇The moment of gratitude is happiness

-What kind of books are you into these days?

“It’s been about seven years since I started reading books about old age. “Now I have to prepare for the second half of my life.”

-I wonder what ‘happiness’ is defined by Woong-Jeong Son.

“The moment I am grateful, I am happy. “Happiness belongs to those who are grateful.”

-Then, what about ‘failure’ as defined by Son Woong-jeong?

“If you compare it to a frog, it is in a cowering state. “I want to run far away.”

-You said, “The prime time is ahead.”

“I look forward to my future as I grow while reading books. Whether I am 70 or 80, I will teach students at our academy (SON Soccer Academy) as long as I can walk and run. I’m not doing this to gain any benefit. My dream is to train with youth players and show the soccer colors I want. “It’s not a soccer game where scoring a goal and beating the opponent is important, but the process leading up to scoring a goal, I really want to show my soccer colors on that stadium.”

His face even got flushed just by imagining it. It was the same expression as when he said, “When I buy a book, I become curious, ‘What message is contained in this book?’” “The two axes that have supported my life are soccer and reading.” Indeed, I could feel it in his eyes and facial expression.

When I read his two books, I wonder, ‘How can I live like this?’ I wake up at 3:30 in the morning without an alarm and start my day by cleaning and exercising. I read books whenever I have time. When he was training for soccer with his two sons, he exercised more. So my sons can’t be lazy. Son Heung-min said in a broadcast interview during his teenage years, “I want to have my dad’s body.” Director Son still maintains that body.

Whether I am staying in the UK, where my son is, or in Korea, all I own is enough luggage to fit a 24-inch suitcase. When he’s on the field, he looks like a lynx, just like his nickname during his days as a player, but when I met him in person, he didn’t have a bright smile. How about doing a ‘90 degree bow’ as soon as you make eye contact for the first time? During the interview, when an employee brought water to me, I took it with both hands and bowed my head, saying, “Thank you,” even while talking. ‘Smile’ and ‘humility’ are one of the life principles that he has repeatedly emphasized to his players.

I can’t stand ‘pretending’ again. ‘I read, write and throw away’ is an interview format. Originally it was two volumes. However, Director Son took almost half of it. “I looked at it again and again to see if I was showing off or if I was pretending to know something.” I took it out again and again. Kim Min-jeong, CEO of Nanda, said, “It seemed like he was leaving out the parts that would make him look great. “I was persuaded by the director’s thoughts and tried to force my thoughts to be carried out, while trying to find a point of unity,” he said.

In ‘I Read, Write and Throw Away’, the famous sayings he wrote down in his reading notes are quoted in each chapter. Among them, the only one was taken from a movie rather than a book. This is a famous line from the movie ‘It Can’t Be Better Than This’. “You made me want to be a better person.”

In the end, wouldn’t it be true if the time he lived was compressed? A life that makes people around you think they want to live like that just by doing something. This is Son Woong-jeong, a truly ‘majestic and upright’ person.

Kim Ji-eun Vertical Content Team Leader [email protected]

Photo = Jooyeon Choi reporter [email protected]

0

0

share

save