Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
It’s strictly business between Socceroos midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler and his father, Australia’s assistant coach Paul Okon, when the pair are in national camp together.
However, a proud Okon Sr’s fatherly instincts briefly took over after his 21-year-old son was earlier this week named in the Socceroos’ 26-man FIFA World Cup squad.
“When he congratulated me, he said, ‘You’ve already done something that I haven’t been able to do. I never got the opportunity to play in a World Cup’,” Okon-Engstler said.
Widely regarded one of Australia’s greatest players, Okon Sr’s final appearance of his 12-year Socceroos career was in 2003, meaning he wasn’t part of Australia’s return to the World Cup in 2006 after an absence of 32 years.
“Just me being able to do that (go to a World Cup) and to take part in that is such an achievement for me and my family. I’m just so grateful for that,” said Okon-Engstler, who added that it was “difficult” to have a normal father-son relationship with his dad when they were on Socceroos duty.
“Once I’m in camp it’s just a normal coach-player relationship, but as soon as I go outside of camp, it’s back to normal, but in camp I don’t really have time to talk to him.
“I’m just focused on doing my best in training and playing.”
There’s a possibility in the future that another Okon, Okon-Engstler’s younger brother Gianluca, could also become a Socceroo.
The 17-year-old Belgium-based midfielder has already represented Italy and Australia at youth level.
“He will make that (allegiance) decision when the time comes. I’m not going to put any pressure on him,” Okon-Engstler said.
“I just hope one day that I’m able to play with him. Where that is, I don’t know, but it would be a great moment for me and my family.”
Like his brother, Okon-Engstler developed his talents in Belgian giants Club Brugge’s youth system but later moved to Portuguese outfit Benfica, where he spent three years playing for the club’s youth and reserve teams before signing with A-League heavyweights Sydney FC in July last year.
His form for the Sky Blues earnt him a Socceroos debut four months later in Houston against Venezuela.
“Being able to play my first full season professionally as a footballer has just helped me grow so much physically and mentally,” Okon-Engstler said ahead of the Socceroos’ World Cup warm-up clash against Switzerland in San Diego on Sunday (AEST).
“I’m just so happy that I’m able to have the opportunity at the end of my season to be able to take part in the World Cup.
“I’m just trying to improve every day as a person, as a player and just trying to be the best version of myself.”
