No one can deny it now. Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) will start in the UEFA Europa League final. Tottenham has effectively hinted at Son's participation in the final by presenting him as the uniform model. This is a clearer sign of 'confirmed starting appearance' than any interview or recovery news.

On the 18th (Korean time), Tottenham unveiled the home uniform they will wear in the UEFA Europa League final through the club's official social media. Tottenham, designated as the home team for the final, is set to wear their usual home kit, with Son Heung-min prominently featured as the model for the uniform. This essentially formalizes the club's announcement of his participation amid growing interest in whether he would return to the starting lineup after recovering from injury.

Tottenham will face Manchester United in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL) final on the 22nd at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain. The two teams are currently placed 16th and 17th in the Premier League, and although both have struggled in the league, they will have a fateful match ahead of their challenge for supremacy in European competitions.

Son Heung-min has fully recovered his physical condition ahead of the final. Recently, in the Premier League's 37th round match against Aston Villa, he started and played for 74 minutes, quickly regaining his match fitness after returning from injury. In the match against Crystal Palace, he played about 30 minutes as a substitute, and he showed sharp movements in the following starting appearance against Villa.

Tottenham announced through the club's official website that "Son Heung-min returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the first leg of the UEL quarterfinals against Eintracht Frankfurt." At that time, Son had missed seven matches due to a foot injury, and it was unclear whether he would return. However, he quickly completed his rehabilitation and is expected to start in the final unless an unexpected event occurs.

Head Coach Ange Postecoglou also expressed his trust in Son Heung-min. He noted, "As captain, I hope Son Heung-min will lead the team well on the final stage," indirectly affirming his participation. The question of whether Son will start is no longer a matter of controversy. Everything is being centered around him.

The final is a special stage for both Tottenham and Son Heung-min. The team is experiencing one of its worst seasons in club history, having recorded 21 losses in 37 Premier League matches this season. The lowest points total is already confirmed, and if they lose their last match against Brighton, they will match the club record for most losses in a 42-match format. This final represents the only hope and opportunity for redemption.

This match holds special meaning for Son Heung-min as well. Having never lifted a major trophy in his professional debut on the adult stage, the upcoming Europa League final is essentially seen as his 'last dance.' He has devoted nearly a decade to Tottenham but has never tasted victory. For him, lifting the trophy as the team's captain could be the pinnacle of his career and his lasting legacy.

After the Villa match, Son Heung-min said in an interview with the club channel 'SpursPlay,' "Nothing is over yet. We must achieve it on Wednesday," adding, "Our goal is the result. If everyone focuses as one, we can definitely achieve it." His determination was stronger than ever before as he approaches the final.

He also stated, "This final will be the most special day of my life. I have waited for this moment for the last 10 years," and added, "This time will definitely be different. I want to create a result that will be remembered in history." Son has expressed his desire to leave Tottenham as a legend after winning multiple trophies in the past. This final could be the last chance to fulfill that promise.

The Europa League final uniform revealed by Tottenham, along with Son Heung-min as its model, carries a significant message that goes beyond mere marketing. Son Heung-min will definitely play in the final. Now, only one question remains: Will Son Heung-min help the team secure its first Europa League trophy in club history and become a legendary figure in the club's legacy?

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