NOT every footballer constantly lives the dream. Just ask Yann Kermorgant.

Since crossing the Channel and first dropping anchor on these shores in 2009, the Frenchman has served Leicester, Charlton and now Cherries.

However, had it not been for his family and close friends, Kermorgant may never have pursued a career in the game – and he misses them.

Aged 14, and having joined the academy at Stade Rennais, Kermorgant was diagnosed with leukaemia. Cured four years later, his chances of becoming a professional footballer seemed a long way off.

But encouraged by his loved ones, he moved from the family home in Vannes in 2004 and joined French fourth division outfit Châtellerault.

Snapped up by Grenoble in Ligue Two a year later, he then earned a move to Reims before his goalscoring exploits alerted Leicester.

Kermorgant found it difficult to adjust in England and returned to France for a loan spell with AC Aries-Avignon before making his name at Charlton.

Now settled in Bournemouth following his move in January, Kermorgant admits even relocating from London has not been without its problems.

“I came here because I thought it would be a good club for me to reach the Premier League with,” said the striker.

“I could see it was good club and growing very quickly. The owner wants success and the manager has a very good footballing philosophy. Hopefully, this could be the year.

“It was a difficult decision to make and still is difficult at times. But it is the life of a footballer. People who don’t like football, don’t know how tough it is sometimes and even more as a foreigner.

“It is the same for TK (Tokelo Rantie). He is a young player and is a long way from his family. People just see what he is doing on the pitch and can’t understand what goes on outside of football.

"When you are not clear in your mind and you don’t feel good, it is difficult to feel strong and relaxed on the pitch.”

Kermorgant is unlikely to see much of wife Melvina and son Matheo, who turns four in January, when he celebrates his 33rd birthday on Saturday as he will be on duty with Cherries at Middlesbrough.

“We have a nice house in Bournemouth and are really settled as a family. My son is going to nursery and he is very happy,” added the Breton.

“Football life is not that easy, it is not just about money. People think that just because players earn well, it is easy but it is not easy for me or for my wife.

“We have both been a long way from our families for 10 years. I miss my parents and friends and lots of things like that so it is a tough one. You have to know why you are here and what you want to do.

“My home is in Brittany and it is difficult to get there during the season. My parents come over when they can but they still work so it is not easy for them either.

“They will come over during the festive period because my son’s birthday is early January. We will be able to celebrate Christmas, new year and his birthday as a family.

“It is tough for me to go back to France. If you want to achieve something, you need to make sacrifices and work even harder.

"If I can’t get back during the next international break, the next time will probably be after the season had ended – hopefully in promotion!”