"This time is really different," said Son Heung-min. Can his words change the history of Tottenham Hotspur? A subtle temperature difference is emerging between the desperate captain longing for a victory and the fans watching him.

Tottenham Hotspur will face Manchester United in the 2024-2025 season UEFA Europa League final on the 22nd in Bilbao, Spain. For Tottenham, which dropped to 17th in the Premier League, this final holds significance beyond just winning. It is the only remaining goal for Champions League qualification this entire season.

Son Heung-min expressed that this match is the "last puzzle piece" of his career. A club legend who has scored 173 goals in 451 matches over 10 seasons since joining in 2015, his trophy cabinet remains empty. Memories of bitter defeats in the Champions League and League Cup finals linger. However, Son emphasized at the final media day, "This time is definitely different. I have prepared for this moment for the past 10 years."

Fans' perspectives are somewhat complicated. There are varying opinions on whether Son Heung-min should start in the final and whether it is appropriate for him to do so. Son has missed about a month due to a recent foot injury, and he was not in optimal condition in his return match against Crystal Palace. Coach Ange Postecoglou also noted, "We must prioritize reason over emotion," expressing a cautious stance.

Local media outlet "Football London" reported, "Son Heung-min is expected to raise his performance with additional appearances against Villa, but his starting position in the final is still uncertain." Many Tottenham fans are reminded of the 2019 Champions League final. At that time, Harry Kane, who returned too soon, started and had no impact, resulting in a loss. There are concerns that a similar scenario could repeat itself.

In fact, some local fan communities have voiced that "Son Heung-min would be more suited to a joker role coming off the bench to change the flow of the game." They point to the fact that this season is recording the lowest attacking points of his career and that his performance since returning from injury is far from peak form.

However, Son Heung-min is determined to rise above such concerns. He said, "I finally want to find the last piece of the puzzle. Not only I, but many fans are supporting us with the same desire. I want to prepare well and win." He also mentioned having a video call with Harry Kane, who recently won the Bundesliga, saying, "I was happy to see his smile. I want to achieve good results with the positive energy I received from Kane."

Coach Postecoglou also highly praised Son Heung-min's symbolism and will. "Son Heung-min is one of the most iconic players in club history. He understands how much winning means to him. But the team comes first. What's important in the final is not the individual, but the teamwork," he stated.

This final is not just the last match of Tottenham's season. For Son Heung-min, it is a golden opportunity to turn his 10 years of dedication into fruition, and possibly the last chance he may ever get. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, it will be revealed on the 22nd in Bilbao whether he can cast aside the shadow of being trophyless.

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