[TRANSLATED] Son Woong-Jung: “I feared that Heung-Min becomes the top scorer in PL”

Hi again.

I'm stuck at work for another 3 hours so I decided to translate another interview. This time it’s Sonny's dad, Mr. Son Woong-Jung, comically known as Dad Heung-Min. The original interview dates back to June 22nd but it's better late than never I guess! Some parts of the interview were omitted due to irrelevance. I checked if someone else in r/coys had translated this interview before and I couldn't find anything, so here it is. Enjoy and apologies for grammatical errors!

"I was afraid of Heung-Min becoming the top scorer in PL"

https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25078398

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-About Sonny's development as a footballer..

S: I always think about the aspects of the game that Heung-Min can improve by another 10%. I spend everyday hoping that he improves by at least 10%.

-Heung-Min is a member of FIFA Century Club and the first Asian footballer to ever become Premier League's top scorer. Yet you feel that he has to improve by 10%

S: It's when you think "you've done enough" that crises arise. You must always strive to thrive, even if only by a little. Not sure if it's true but I've heard that singers often practice hitting higher notes to maintain their vocal range. Similarly, in order to maintain his current abilities, he must think of how he should improve and work hard.

-You said in the past that Son Heung-Min wasn't a world class footballer. Does your opnion remain the same?

S: It remains the same.

-What is your definition of a world class footballer, then?

S: World class? Who knows. I personally think a world class player has the ability to survive in any big clubs around the world.

-What must he improve to become a world class footballer?

S: In my opinion, 10% growth in all aspects of the game would make it possible.

-According to your autobiography, you really urged your son to stay humble.

S: Nothing lasts forever. I might sound presumptuous but as the old saying goes, "all that's fair must fade". He used to love football as a kid and still does. If, one day, something else than football takes priority in his head, that itself is proof that he lost his purpose. It was the same when he was still a teenager in Hamburg. I think temptation is what troubles us from walking the right path. This is what he must remember and be cautious until his retirement as a footballer, and until the end of his life as a human being.

-How were you feeling when your son became the top scorer of the league?

S: I was as afraid as when he first scored for Hamburg. A mighty Japanese businessman once said "boom is a bliss but depression is even better". I told Heung-Min that good always comes with bad. Similarly, a higher mountain peak means a deeper valley. This year's abundance of crop does not guarantee next year's success. In order to survive, we must prepare as if we're expecting a famine in the future. Though I try to keep his mind cautious and humble, it is for these reasons that I was afraid when he became the Golden Boot winner. I think a 'depression', could have been better for his future than a 'boom'.

-Was your son's Golden Boot ever in the plans you had for him?

S: Ever since he started playing football, I never once thought of him becoming a pro nor in which league he will end up playing. He was happy playing football, and for that I was very happy. Happiness was the only word I had in mind.

-You emphasize humbleness by putting away all his trophies and awards. What did you do with the Golden Boot?

S: The reason why I put them away is because I'm afraid that he will become too proud and lose his purpose. I did store them carefully though. When Heung-Min retires, I am thinking of opening a small museum to display all his awards, but the fans deserved to see the Golden Boot in person (at the airport) so for this time we decided that the trophy will be kept in his home.

-You must love Kane, as he has shown a great combination with your son.

S: Kane is not the only player I love. Tottenham had a tough mid-season but Conte, with his passion, has brought the club back to the CL. Every single player helped Heung-Min, and in turn Heung-Min also helped several teammates. Tottenham Hotspur is a club where a family-like atmosphere is present.

-Conte, also known for his passionate character, has apparently asked Heung-Min about you and your passion?

S: Heung-Min rarely talks about what happens inside the club, but one day he mentions in passing that he thinks Conte watched the Sonsational documentary. The gaffer apparently asked if it was true that 'he and his brother had to do 4 hours of continuous keepy ups'. When answers "yes", Conte apparently told Heung-Min to introduce me to him. Heung-Min did say that.

-Is there something you want Heung-Min to achieve before his retirement?

S: No. I always tell him to go to whichever city or club he wants to play at/for. My only and greatest wish for him is that he lives in the city that he loves and he plays for a club that he loves, regardless of the salary. Nothing else.

-Many are worried about the distance he travels for international duty, yet Heung-Min considers the international duty a privilege.

S: I agree with him. While it is true that he needs to travel a great distance everytime he gets called up, he is really happy in the national team. For Heung-Min and I, happiness is what stands above football. Nothing else. He plays a lot of games and travels a lot, but I believe he can easily overcome such a hardship because in the end, football is something that he loves and feels happy when playing.

-Matchday 38: Son vs. Salah for Golden Boot. Were you concerned about Salah's performance in Liverpool's game vs. Wolves?

S: No. Like I said, I didn't want Heung-Min to become the top scorer. When there were still 3-4 games left to play, I told him "good always comes with bad, higher mountain peak means deeper valley". The higher you go up, the more it hurts when you come crashing down.

-He has scored 2 goals from free kicks in his recent games with the national team. How did you coach him?

S: We haven't particularly worked on his free kicks. He practiced shootings repeatedly, but we did no separate training for free kicks.

-Any words of encouragement for your son?

S: Football is not a sport where a net divides the two teams, therefore injuries will be always part of the game. Despite this, I want him to feel happy and to show everything he got on the pitch, one game at a time. It's something I always tell him and always want to tell him.

edit: format