Lucas Hernandez speaks about his father: We've not heard from him for 12 years LaLiga Santander - Atletico Madrid Atleti player reveals a difficult family situation

Atletico Madrid's French international, Lucas Hernandez, has revealed that he and his brother Theo, at Real Sociedad on loan from Real Madrid, haven't seen their father, the ex-Rayo and Atleti player Jean Francois Hernandez, for over a decade.

Despite the difficult family situation, the support of his mother has ensured that both Lucas and Theo were able to pursue their dreams of professional football.

"I owe everything to her, she's the one who brought us up, who took my brother and I to football, who worked I don't know how many hours to feed us," he said to Le Parisien.

"What I am is thanks to her.

"We've not heard from our father for 12 or 13 years, not even after winning the World Cup.

"Now that I'm a father, I'm even more aware of what he's done, that he has failed in his father's role.

"What I can't imagine is giving up my son, I would never do it, and even if I have to sleep under a bridge for my son's happiness, I will."

Though their professional careers have headed in different directions, the bond between Lucas and Theo is as strong as ever.

"I am his older brother and protector," Lucas continued.

"We've had difficult moments, but we've always been together and when he needed me, I was there.

"There has always been a great connection between us, he is my little brother and my best friend, and even today our links are very strong."

It's been a hugely successful year for Lucas, but the player has admitted that it's changed him as a person.

"My son Martin has changed my life, my way of thinking, of seeing the world, before I only thought of myself and now everything I do is for him," he added.

"I am not the same man anymore.

"Six months ago I didn't even know that I would go to the World Cup, but today I am a world champion and father.

"In a few years, when he is older, I will tell him about this incredible summer."