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Emile Heskey played more times for Liverpool than any other club he represented during his impressive career, but nowadays he is cheering on his two sons as they work their way up the ranks at Manchester City.
City and Liverpool has developed into the Premier League's biggest rivalry over the last decade, and if Heskey's sons realize their dreams, they will be turning out for the Blues when the two teams meet over the next few years.
Reigan Heskey and Jaden Heskey, who are 19 and 17 respectively, are both attacking players — Reigan is a left winger, while Jaden is an attacking midfielder.
Speaking to Kick N Mix, via the Daily Mirror, Heskey revealed the approach he takes in his role as the father of two aspiring young soccer players.
“I’m someone who stands really far back and I become a dad, really,” he explained. “If they want to ask me something, I tell them, or if they want to come out with me and do a little bit extra, then I’ll take them, but I’m not the one who’s going to force them.
“They enjoy it, they love it. Yes, there are some times when I think ‘I want to say something’, but the reality is it’s not my career. Another reality is, what has the manager or coach told them to do? Because if I tell them to do something different then there’s a conflict there.
“So I take a step back and I enjoy watching it, to be honest, as it’s nice to see them progressing. I’ve watched them from the age of four and now they’re 19 and 17, they’re doing fantastic.”
Asked what kind of advice he would give to other parents in a similar position to him, he responded: “I’m not every parent!
"I’d definitely say let the coaches do their job, let the kids enjoy being there as football is supposed to be enjoyed, it’s supposed to be a love and a passion, and if you’re pushing too much, you can take that passion out of it. So let them enjoy that side of it.
“It’s each to their own, though, and I can’t tell someone how to parent their own child.
“I can just say the way I do it, which is to step back and let them enjoy it. They’re at an academy where they’ve got really good coaches, so let the coaches work and, if they need advice, I will give it.”
English (US) ·