Robbie Savage has penned a touching open letter to his son Charlie after the 17-year-old signed his first professional contract with Manchester United this week.
Yet, he has warned his talented son that life at United may be made tougher due to his father's public persona.
A member of the club's famous Class of '92, Savage Sr. drew his inspiration from a letter his own father had written to him years before when he left to join United as a youngster.
"Sometimes feelings are the most difficult things to put into words," wrote Savage, the open letter appearing in Saturday's copy of the Mirror, "so I thought I would do something different, something you would probably never expect of me... and write you a letter.
"Not because you need me to remind you of how precious you are, but maybe to highlight that you can be anything you ever want to be, regardless of what anyone says; and that I am here for you."
Although he failed to make the breakthrough into Manchester United's first-team squad, Savage did ultimately forge a lengthy career in Premier League football.
Well-known now for his punditry, Savage Sr. warned his son in the letter Charlie that things may be made a bit more difficult for him due to his Dad's public profile.
"Yes, the journey will be paved with difficult obstacles for you as my son," he conceded, "and it could just be because I’ve been in the media spotlight for so long.
"As much as I (and so many other achieving individuals, men and women) are trying to remove these, by doing things like creating the Savage Foundation, I know the reality is that it will probably not change in my lifetime.
"However, try and face the difficulties head on, challenge those who are not fair and always be fair and truthful in what you do. Believe in your capabilities, knowledge and experiences. Never feel like an imposter or allow anyone to make you feel like one."
Delighted to have signed my first professional contract @ManUtd . I would like to thank all of my friends, family and everyone @neweraglobalsports for all their support. The hard work continues 🚀 #mufc pic.twitter.com/HOKsDE8VwC
— Charlie Savage (@charliesavage84) April 7, 2021
You can read the full transcript of the letter Robbie Savage wrote to his son and a letter Savage's father wrote to him over 30 years ago here.
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