Palacios considered quitting

Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios has admitted he considered quitting the game following the death of his brother.

The 25-year-old was informed just over a year ago that his brother Edwin’s remains had been found back in his homeland of Honduras after being kidnapped 18 months earlier.

Palacios has been an inspirational figure at Tottenham this season, having played a crucial role in securing UEFA Champions League football for the first time at White Hart Lane in such difficult circumstances.

But despite the death of his 16-year-old brother and his confession that he was ready to turn his back on the game, Palacios maintained that football was the best way for him to grieve.

“It’s true, I did come close to retiring,” he said.

“The reason why I carried on was firstly, because it’s always been my dream to be a footballer but mainly it was my family and close friends, taking their advice saying ‘keep going, keep going’.

“From a kid I’ve always been quite tough, you know mentally tough and strong. I have always been tough and single-minded and that has helped.

“Football is what I do.”

Tough

Palacios will complete an emotional year by going to the World Cup in South Africawith Honduras as a key member of the side.

The Hondurans have not competed at such a tournament since the 1982 World Cup in Spain, where they drew twice and lost once in an admirable performance in their first major tournament.

With Palacios’ team not expected to create any waves at this summer’s tournament, the former Wigan midfielder insisted that his side will perform to the best of their ability and that they fear no one, not even group favourites Spain or striker Fernando Torres.
“We all know that Torres is one of the best strikers in the world. Even when I was back in Honduras I used to watch Spain. I know what qualities the whole side have got but we have good players too,” Palacios added.

“For the country and my people, it’s amazing, and also especially, for my family.

“It’s so long since we’ve been there, over 25 years. It’s a really tough group but it’s a chance for us to do well and we’re really looking forward to it.

“On a personal level, yes it has been an extremely tough year. But all I can do is keep focused and keep moving forward. Off the field I am just an ordinary guy. My motivation is kicking a football.”