Son Heung-min set to start in Europa League final as Tottenham unveils new kit

Final uniform model. This alone assures us of Son Heung-min's starting appearance. Now, attention is focused on what kind of performance he can show on the field.

Tottenham unveiled the uniform they will wear in the Europa League final through their social media on the 18th (Korean time). Tottenham, assigned as the home team, will wear their home kit. And they placed Son Heung-min as the model for the uniform to be worn in the final. By directly assigning Son Heung-min, whose participation was in doubt due to injury, they effectively announced his starting appearance in the final.

Tottenham will face Premier League rival Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) final, which will be held on the 22nd at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain. Both teams have been performing poorly, holding the 17th and 16th places in the Premier League, but they will meet at the highest level in European competitions.

Son Heung-min has also completed all preparations. Tottenham announced on their official website, "Son Heung-min played 74 minutes in the match against Aston Villa on Friday. After that, he said, 'I feel good' ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United, which will be held on Wednesday night in Bilbao."

Additionally, Tottenham noted, "Captain Son Heung-min returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the first leg of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarterfinal against Eintracht Frankfurt on April 10. He missed seven matches in the past month due to a foot injury and made his comeback last week by playing 30 minutes against Crystal Palace."

Fortunately, a green light has been turned on for Son Heung-min's appearance in the final. He had been away from the pitch due to a foot injury that was recently not clearly disclosed. As the recovery period continued to stretch longer than expected, there were concerns about a season-ending injury. However, Son Heung-min successfully returned in time.

Son Heung-min was substituted in during the second half against Palace last week, playing approximately 32 minutes, and he also returned to the starting lineup against Villa, logging about 74 minutes to boost his match fitness. As it stands, unless there is a major upset, he is certain to start in the final. Coach Ange Postecoglou expressed his hope, saying, "I hope Son Heung-min leads the players well."

This Europa League final is extremely important for both Tottenham and Son Heung-min. Tottenham is enduring their worst season, having lost 21 matches by the 37th round, setting a record for the most losses since the Premier League's inception. A new record for the lowest points has already been confirmed. If they lose to Brighton & Hove Albion in the final match, they will tie the record for the most losses in a season across their history of 42 matches.

Moreover, for Son Heung-min, there is a strong desire for a major championship trophy. He has never lifted a trophy on the adult stage, including with Tottenham and the national team. In a way, this tournament could be the best opportunity for Son Heung-min and a stage for his last dance.

Immediately after the Villa match, Son Heung-min said about the Europa League final, "There is still work to do. To do that, we need to deliver a big performance on Wednesday. We believe we can do it," and added, "As I said, our goal is to achieve a result on Wednesday. From now on, let’s gather on Wednesday with a single goal so we can make that happen together."

Son Heung-min emphasized, "Wednesday (against Manchester United) will be the biggest day of my life. It will be really good. We will be excited. I hope we can make history," adding, "This time, it is definitely different. I have prepared for this moment for the past 10 years." Son Heung-min has consistently expressed the desire to win and leave Tottenham as a legend.

Earlier, there were speculations that Son Heung-min's appearance was uncertain, but having performed well in consecutive matches against Palace and Villa has boosted his form, and he was appointed as the model for the uniform to be worn in the final, effectively announcing his starting role.

Furthermore, this match is likely to carry various meanings for Son Heung-min. Regardless of winning the championship, Coach Postecoglou is likely to leave the team, which could also impact Son Heung-min's future depending on the choice of the next coach. If Son Heung-min is able to lift the championship trophy himself, it could provide him with the freedom to make a different choice.

In many ways, a perfect stage has been set for Son Heung-min's 'last dance.' It remains to be seen if Son Heung-min can lift the coveted trophy and smile broadly.

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