Four years later, Elian living quietly in Cuba

NEW YORK – Elian Gonzalez, now 10, hits the books in Cardenas, Cuba, where he lives with his father.

Four years after little Elian Gonzalez was plucked from the seas off Florida’s coast and sparked an international custody battle, the young boy is leading a sheltered life back in Cuba.

Elian lives with his father in their hometown of Cardenas and he still sports the same impish grin that captivated the world back in 2000.

In an interview with NBC’s “Dateline” to air today, Elian’s father, Juan Miguel Gonzalez, says he has generally kept Elian out of the limelight, even moving to a secret location in town to avoid the press.

The stalemate ended dramatically as heavily armed federal officers stormed the house in the middle of the night, snatched the terrified boy and took him into protective custody.

Elian still grieves for his mother who drowned when their boat capsized on its way to Florida, Gonzalez said, but he has adjusted to life well.

“I can truly say that since his return, my son has never had to see a psychologist, or anyone else,” Gonzalez told “Dateline.” Elian is learning karate and has two girlfriends, Gonzalez reports.