Wilson Palacios admits he considered quitting football after the murder of his brother following his kidnapping in Honduras. Palacios paid the £125,000 ransom demanded by Edwin's kidnappers, but the 16-year-old was never seen again.
Palacios missed the end of the 2008/09 campaign in the wake of the discovery, having been granted leave by Spurs, and the 25-year-old has revealed that he contemplated turning his back on the game for good.
"I was really thinking of giving up football altogether," he said in the News of the World.
"My brother's always in my thoughts; when I go out on the pitch, in training, when I do anything.
"He is an inspiration for me to carry on, he drives me forward.
"Edwin was a footballer, too. He would have wanted me to keep on playing, as did my family. They helped me make the decision."
Palacios has played a crucial role in Honduras' road to South Africa.
"The people of Honduras are still partying and everyone is so excited about next summer," he said.
"It makes me proud to be part of something which is bringing joy and happiness to my country."
