Son Heung-min is set to clash with Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final for the 2024-2025 season, which will take place on the 22nd in Bilbao, Spain (Korean time). He made his return to action after about a month during the match against Crystal Palace on the 11th and is expected to further enhance his match readiness in the league clash against Aston Villa.
"This time is really different," said Son Heung-min, emphasizing the special significance of this final. Since leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 2015 and donning the Tottenham jersey, he has made 451 appearances over a decade, scoring 173 goals and becoming one of the top scorers in the club's history. However, his trophy cabinet is empty.
The finals against Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League and Manchester City in the 2021 League Cup both ended bitterly. For Son Heung-min, who shared an era with Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane, the 'championship trophy' has been the only deficiency and the final puzzle.
According to various local British media outlets such as 'The Guardian' and 'The Independent', Son Heung-min noted during a media day for the final, "The current version of me is the result of holding out solely for that one (victory). To complete the puzzle, every piece is needed. I have been running to find that last piece for the past 10 years. This time, I want to find that piece."
Tottenham has struggled in the Premier League this season, falling to 17th place, but has showcased a vastly different image on the European stage. They defeated AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and FK Bodo/Glimt in succession, and secured victories in all three league encounters against Manchester United.
Son Heung-min said, "No one desires this trophy more than I do. It’s not just me; countless fans are cheering for us with the same longing. I want to prepare well and achieve this."
The cautious approach of the coach is also a great motivation for Son Heung-min. Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou commented, "What’s more important than Son Heung-min’s reputation is the entire team. Whether he plays will be determined after thoroughly checking his physical condition and match readiness," indicating that rationality will take precedence.
He added, "Son Heung-min is one of the most iconic players in the club's history. He understands better than anyone what winning means to him. If his career is completed with a trophy, it will also be a new starting point for the entire Tottenham team."
Meanwhile, shortly after his return against Crystal Palace, Son Heung-min conveyed a message to fans, saying, "I always say I’m fine. This way, those who believe in and support me can watch the game without worry." It is reported that his return process involved collaboration between a personal trainer and the club's medical staff.
Son Heung-min recently watched his close friend and long-time teammate Harry Kane claim the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich. He stated, "I called Kane via currency and saw his smile, which made me genuinely happy. I want to achieve good results with the positive energy he gave me."
Every match has had significance. However, Son Heung-min expressed that this final feels "like an opportunity that may never come again." In other words, it could be that one day where he can fit the last piece of his career puzzle.
Having run fiercely for 10 years, Son Heung-min is now in the final stretch. The destination is clear: victory.
10년 동안 누구보다 치열하게 달려온 손흥민. 이제 그는 마지막 직선을 달린다. 목적지는 하나, 우승이다.
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