A World Cup star has taken his pre-tournament press conference to apologise to his wife before a ball had even been kicked in North America. Seung-gyu Kim, part of South Korea's preparations for their opening World Cup clash with Czechia, missed the birth of his second child as a result.
Apology and Peace Offering
Kim was quick to apologise to his model wife Kim Jin-kyung when he had the chance to speak to the media. "I am truly sorry that I could not be with my wife during the birth. I want to bring good results home from here - as a gift," he said.
His daughter was born last week, with Kim sharing photos on social media. When asked who she resembled more, he joked: "I told her while she was still in my womb not to look like me; apparently she listened to me. I think it's truly lucky that her face is a perfect, beautiful blend of my features and my wife's."
Last World Cup
The 35-year-old, who plays his football in Japan, also admitted that this will be his last World Cup: "I've played every World Cup as if it could be my last. At my current age, this one really does feel like my last!"
Altitude Concerns
South Korea have not been happy that they have been drawn to play all their games in Mexico, where playing at altitude could be a factor. The Estadio Azteca sits at 2,200m above sea level, and the high altitude can sap the energy of visiting players who are not acclimatised to the conditions, potentially leaving them more vulnerable to fatigue.
While Korea's opener takes place at the Estadio Akron, which is 1,670m above sea level, speaking ahead of the clash, Hong Myung-bo said: "Overall, we are perfectly adapted. I think the players have a sense of relief and confidence that we have adapted to the high altitude."
