Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) faced an unexpected variable in his quest for his first career championship. It has been revealed that he filed a complaint with the police, stating he was extorted for hundreds of millions of won by individuals claiming false pregnancies. This incident occurred at a crucial time ahead of the final match.
Tottenham will face Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd. However, Son Heung-min filed a complaint with the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on the 7th, reporting extortion, prompting law enforcement to launch an investigation. On the 14th, a woman in her 20s, identified as A, and a man in his 40s, identified as B, were arrested on charges of attempted extortion and extortion and are currently under investigation.
Son Heung-min’s legal representative stated in an official position, “We have filed a complaint for extortion against individuals who threatened the player with false information and will respond aggressively depending on the results of the investigation.” It was also added, “Son Heung-min is a clear victim in this incident, and we deeply apologize to his fans for the distress caused by this unfortunate matter.”
International media are also paying attention to this incident. ESPN reported, “Son Heung-min submitted a complaint after being threatened with false pregnancies,” while the Daily Mail explained the background of the case by noting that, as an unmarried person without children, Son Heung-min once stated in an interview, “I want to focus on football rather than family during my active career.”
The issue lies in the timing. Son Heung-min is again facing a European final for the first time in his career, and this match offers Tottenham a chance to break a title drought that has persisted since 2008. However, with personal controversies and the simultaneous loss of team strength, Son Heung-min’s burden is increasing.
Currently, Tottenham is set to miss not only James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall but also Dejan Kulusevski due to injuries. Kulusevski is confirmed to be out for the season after undergoing surgery for a knee injury sustained in the match against Crystal Palace, leaving almost no resources capable of launching a threatening offensive in the final aside from Son Heung-min.
Son Heung-min is not in perfect physical condition either. He has been sidelined from matches for over a month due to an injury and only made a substitute appearance in the match against Crystal Palace. He played for about 30 minutes and is still working to regain his match fitness. The upcoming match against Aston Villa on the 17th will serve as his final real test before the final, and his playing time may indicate the possibility of starting.
Football London speculated, “Son Heung-min’s performance in the match against Villa could determine whether he will start in the final.”
Son Heung-min has remarked, “This final could be an opportunity that may never come again.” While the conditions are not ideal, he is determined not to be shaken by matters outside of the game. Attention is focused on how Son Heung-min will perform in the final amidst injuries and controversies.
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