Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) has finished preparations to lift his first career championship trophy.
Tottenham will face Manchester United in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL) final at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korean time). The two teams, currently ranked 17th and 16th in the Premier League, will compete for the European competition trophy.
This final is an opportunity that cannot be missed for both Tottenham and Son Heung-min. Tottenham has not reached the top since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. They must break their 17-year trophy drought this time.
'Second time’s a charm,' Son Heung-min is burning with desire for victory more than anyone. He has been a legend since joining Tottenham in 2015, scoring 173 goals in 451 matches, but has lost in both finals he has reached. In the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League (UCL) final, he lost 0-2 to Liverpool, and in the 2020-2021 League Cup final, he could not overcome Manchester City and finished as a runner-up, shedding tears.
Because of this, Son Heung-min has consistently vowed to lift a trophy at Tottenham and leave as a legend. In a recent interview, he noted, "The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham is that I wanted to achieve what others could not. That is probably why I am here now. To complete the puzzle, I need the final piece" as he expressed his desire for victory.
On the eve of the final, captain Son Heung-min took the microphone at the official press conference. Along with Pedro Porro, he stated, "Myself and the team are ready. This final will be truly special and a historic moment. No one has lifted a trophy in the 10 years I have spent at Tottenham. I definitely want to win. This is an important day for the club, the players, and me."
Son Heung-min also expressed gratitude to the Korean fans who will be cheering for him in the early morning. He said, "Thank you so much for always supporting me and our team, whether it’s morning or late at night. The fans are always with us, cheering us on. That’s why I want to give something back to the fans. I hope tomorrow we can present a trophy and an unforgettable historic moment with smiles. It would be great to celebrate together."
He has also cleared concerns about his condition. Son Heung-min missed a month after being substituted in the second half of the UEL quarterfinal first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt on the 11th of last month. Fortunately, he came on as a substitute in last week's match against Crystal Palace for about 32 minutes and returned to the starting lineup against Aston Villa, playing for over 70 minutes and improving his match fitness.
Even so, it is difficult to say he is at 100% fitness. However, Son Heung-min emphasized, "I am ready. I played in the Palace match after returning from injury, and I managed to play about 70 minutes in the Villa game. I didn’t expect to play that much, but I was able to do it. I am physically prepared and completely ready to play. All the players are prepared for the most important game of the season."
Son Heung-min is determined not to relive the pain of being a runner-up in the 2019 UCL. He said, "When I stood on the final stage for the first time in my professional career six years ago, I was really nervous and shaky. I couldn’t believe it because I was so anxious. But now I am much more mature and have gained experience. I will calmly prepare in my own way," and he added, "A lot has changed over the years, and many players have come and gone. I have also become the captain and leader of the team. My dream is to help my teammates lift the trophy. I hope tomorrow will be an unforgettable historic day for my life."
Now, only Son Heung-min and Ben Davies remain from the squad that experienced the final six years ago. He said, "Davies is still with the team. Please do not forget his dedication and sincerity. If we win this time, it will be a truly great moment not just for the two of us but for everyone. The first start is difficult, but our mindset, as well as the club's history, can change. I hope we can become a team that can challenge for another championship in the future."
Additionally, Son Heung-min remarked, "The future is never certain. I might play in the UCL next year or face another final. No one knows. However, the opportunity I have right now is real. It is true that tomorrow is the Europa League final. I won’t think of anything else. This could be my last chance or not, but I will focus solely on tomorrow. I want to celebrate and lift the trophy with my teammates."
Meanwhile, it is still uncertain whether Son Heung-min will be on the starting lineup. The British media 'Football London' reported, "Manager Ange Postecoglou is considering changing the formation due to injuries to midfield resources, and either Son Heung-min or Richarlison may sit on the bench."
The media speculated, "Although Son Heung-min proved his condition after returning in the last two matches, considering the intentions of manager Postecoglou, who is preserving Richarlison for the final, it is uncertain whether Son Heung-min will start."
However, the British 'Telegraph' strongly recommended starting Son Heung-min. The media emphasized, "Tottenham has shown better performance without Son Heung-min. However, he must start in the final. There are opinions suggesting that the loyal captain Son Heung-min should be excluded from the starting lineup considering his performance and physical condition, but we must not overlook his experience and strong desire for victory."
Moreover, The Athletic added, "Son Heung-min should be given the chance to start against Manchester United to etch his name in the club's championship history. Son Heung-min is a superstar that Postecoglou should trust. Tottenham lacks creativity due to the absence of Dejan Kulusevski, but Son Heung-min is a player who can create something out of nothing. He is also the leader that Tottenham needs."
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