Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios has revealed he nearly quit football following the kidnap of his brother.
Honduran plays on in memory of late relative
Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios has revealed he nearly quit football at the age of 25 following the traumatic death of his brother.
Palacios' brother Edwin was killed by kidnappers in tragic circumstances after he was held captive last year and the Spurs man has spoken of the difficult time he endured.
The Honduras international - who's other brothers are also professional footballers - spoke of his gratitude towards club manager Harry Redknapp and his coaching staff for the help they have afforded him.
The former Wigan player found out about his brother's fate on the eve of a league clash with Everton in May but revealed he waited until the morning of the game to inform Redknapp of the news.
Respect
Palacios explained it was a matter of "respect" in his decision to delay telling his manager.
He said: "It was all about having respect, not just for my manager but also my team-mates.
"I had to wait for the right moment to ask my permission to leave the party and I just thought it was the right thing to do."
The personal loss led Palacios to ponder his future in the game, which had started in 2002 with Honduran side Olimpia before a trial with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal saw him arrive on English shores.
The Gunners decided against taking the dynamic midfielder on, but he landed a move to Birmingham City under the stewardship of Steve Bruce, a manager who would re-sign him at Wigan.
And despite a burgeoning reputation as an all-action player, courting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid, Palacios conceded only the encouragement of close friends kept him from quitting a profession that had enriched his family.
He revealed: "It's true, I did come close to retiring but the reason why I carried on, firstly it's always been my dream to be a footballer but mainly it was my family and friends giving me advice and saying 'keep going, keep going'.
Tough year
"It has been an extremely tough year. But all you can do is keep focused and keep moving forward. You have to remember that you're playing for a club - Tottenham.
"To tell you the truth everybody at the club has really helped me. My team-mates, the management, even through to the directors have been really helpful."
Reaching the World Cup finals in South Africa with his country provided some respite for the troubled play-maker, a landmark achievement given it is the first time Honduras have reached the competition since 1982.
A celebratory banquet with the country's president delayed Palacios' return to England, although he amazed Redknapp when he went straight from the airport to Fratton Park in time to come off the bench in the victory over Portsmouth.
One of his brothers - Johnny - is said to be emerging talent that Palacios believes could make a big impact in the Premier League, but he reiterated that his siblings continue to play the sport in memory of their late brother.
"All four brothers are and were professional footballers," he said. "It would be nice to see Johnny playing here. I'm not just saying that because he is my brother.
"I could talk all day about him and say how fantastic he is. He can play central defence or in the centre of midfield. He's very stylish and elegant on the ball. He's quick and is bright and intelligent.
"Not just on the football field but everywhere, we know he is with us all the time," said the former Wigan midfielder.
"We left it in the hands of the law enforcement agency in Honduras and they did their job, and we left it in the hands of God, because we know that is where my brother is now, with God."
Palacios high profile in his home land means his family may still be culpable to more abductions, a prospect that he admits still plays on his mind.
He added: "It is a worry, I have to tell the truth, but we're hoping things are on the mend in my country.
"What we are aware of now is that maybe my family take a bit more care with the way they go about their lives. Certainly it's something which is on your mind.
"In particular it is a problem in Honduras. You will be aware of David Suazo who plays in Italy. Fortunately they found his brother, the same thing happened but they found him after three weeks."
