Lying on the familiar grass, Eun Jiwon felt at peace. It had been a while since he set foot much more laid on that particular field. He wished he did so sooner if he knew how good it would make him feel. One after another, memories came rushing at him. He was 5 years old, barefoot on the grass, running after his cousin's ball. He was 11, lifting the first of the many trophies he would lift playing the beautiful game he would love so much and would give his everything to keep playing until he could no longer do so. Play football until he's 50, he used to tell interviewers when asked about his plans.

The football gods, however, had other plans for him.