SOCCER

'Following in my father's footsteps is not a big deal'

22 October 2017 - 00:00 By bbc.com

Timothy Weah, son of Liberian legend George, says he is not overawed by the prospect of following in his famous father's footsteps and that he can only profit from the situation.
Timothy has been starring for the US at the Under-17 World Cup in India, where the striker scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Paraguay in the last-16 this week.
Instead of feeling pressure about emulating his father, the only Fifa World Footballer of the Year from Africa, Timothy insists it can be a positive.
"I just use it as an advantage," he told BBC Sport. "My dad was a great player and it's up to me to be the best that I can be - even if I don't make it to that extent.
"I'm still going to try to be one of the best players to play the game. Following in my father's footsteps is not a big deal to me."
For the moment, the footsteps Timothy is aiming to emulate are those that relate to football rather than any political desires.
During a prolific career in Europe with AS Monaco, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, Weah was in 1995 crowned Fifa World Footballer of the Year.
Timothy signed a three-year deal with his father's former Ligue 1 club PSG in July.
"I talk to him nearly every night and he gives a little word of encouragement," said Timothy of his time in India.
Born in New York, the 17-year-old marksman took more extended advice before the India tournament from his father on how best to navigate the challenges of playing at a World Cup, which Weah never did."He told me to just play my game and be myself - that is the most important thing," explained Timothy.
"He just said: 'Be free, you have nothing to prove, just prove that you are the best player and you will have a bright future.'"
Timothy is reluctant to add to his father's workload.
"He is going through a lot of pressure from the media and the people, so I just said: 'Dad, you are the best and just keep on doing what you are doing and I know you're going to win this time,'" he said.
"My dad really loves and really helps his country, so I think leading the country would be the best thing for Liberia."
In 2005, Weah finished runner-up to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in elections which ended years of civil war in Liberia.
"This time, I feel he is going to lead Liberia to a very bright future," added his son...

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