"At this moment, I am only thinking about lifting the trophy together."
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) spoke one day before the Europa League final. On the 21st (Korean time), Son Heung-min shared his determination for the final during an official press conference held in Bilbao, Spain, discussing the final, the pain of the 2019 Champions League final, and this stage, which could be his last opportunity with Tottenham.
According to the British outlet 'Football London', Son Heung-min said, "I have played for Tottenham for 10 years, but I still don't have a trophy. It will be a really special moment for me and the club," adding, "Tomorrow will be an enormous day for the entire club, my teammates, and myself."
Regarding the barbecue prepared by Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Richarlison at practice before the final, he explained, "It was really important for the players to come together, share their daily lives, and laugh while spending time together. We have always been together and have persevered as one until now."
Son Heung-min also commented on his physical condition, saying, "I returned in the match against Crystal Palace and played longer than expected in the Aston Villa match, but I've managed to raise my condition well. I am physically ready. Both I and the team are prepared to take on the final."
He is the only player to have experienced the 2019 Champions League final as a starter for Tottenham. About this, he emphasized, "Don’t forget about Ben Davies. This match means a lot to both of us. Winning can change everything; mentality and history can change as well." When asked about the early goal conceded in the 2019 final, the handball foul by Moussa Sissoko, and the penalty decision, he expressed his disappointment, saying, "I still can’t believe that was a handball."
He also spoke about how much he has changed since six years ago, stating, "Back then it was my first final and I was really nervous. Now, as the captain of the team, I am calmly preparing. I have transformed from just a player to a role that leads the team."
When asked if this Europa League final could be his 'last opportunity' at Tottenham, he replied, "No one knows about the future. This could be the last opportunity, or it could be another opportunity. However, right now, I am only focusing on tomorrow."
Regarding the recent struggles in the league, Son Heung-min said, "It is difficult to accept our current position in the league. But this is not the time to think about that. We have come this far by defeating strong teams and believing in ourselves through tough away matches. If we win tomorrow, this disappointing season could become a turning point."
When asked what message he would like to convey to his teammates before the match, he stated, "No special motivation will be necessary. The stage of the final itself is enough. We just need to stay calm and if we do what we have to do, the results will follow. I plan to share my experience with the team before the match."
Finally, Son Heung-min addressed the Korean fans who will be watching the game at 4 a.m. on the 22nd, saying, "I know you always support us at any time. Tomorrow, I want to repay that support with smiles and a trophy. I want to share the joy together."
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