South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu faced a heart-wrenching decision: his country's call to the World Cup or witnessing the birth of his first child. The seasoned 35-year-old, preparing for his fourth World Cup, chose the former. His daughter was born while he was in Mexico for the tournament's base camp.
Kim, who has played 86 matches for his country, expressed deep regret for missing the momentous occasion. Speaking to reporters in Mexico, he said, 'I couldn't be by my wife's side during the birth of our child, and for that, I am truly sorry. I want to return home with a great achievement for the country as a gift.'
Playing for Japanese club FC Tokyo, Kim is a key player for South Korea. The Korean news agency Yonhap reported that coach Hong Myung-bo is likely to favor Kim over Jo Hyun-woo for the starting lineup. At 35, Kim knows this might be his last World Cup, having played with the mindset that each tournament could be his last.
Despite missing the first sounds of his newborn daughter, Kim hopes to deliver an incredible success for South Korea, which he believes would be the best gift for his infant upon his return.
