"Right now, I am only thinking about winning."
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min (33) expressed his determination one day before the UEFA Europa League final.
On the 21st (Korean time), Son Heung-min attended an official press conference held in Bilbao, Spain, where he calmly shared his feelings ahead of the final, the team's atmosphere, and the significance of this stage in his career.
In an interview published by Football London, Son Heung-min stated, "I have played for 10 years wearing the Tottenham uniform, but I have never experienced winning a trophy. Tomorrow will be a special day, not just for me, but for the entire club," adding, "The final is a match that will resonate deeply with my teammates, fans, and myself."
Questions about a team barbecue event held ahead of the final also emerged. Regarding the unofficial gathering prepared voluntarily by Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison, and others, Son Heung-min noted, "It is significant that we were able to sit across from each other and share our everyday lives with laughter," and added, "We have been together throughout the season, and that bond has been a significant driving force in getting us here."
Seemingly aware of concerns about his physical condition, he also mentioned his fitness. "Since returning from the match against Crystal Palace, I played more than expected in the match against Aston Villa," he said. "Now, I am in a physically prepared state. The entire team is ready for the final."
Son Heung-min is currently the only player in the Tottenham squad who has experienced being selected for the UEFA Champions League final in 2019. He urged, "Please do not forget that Ben Davies also participated in that match," then emphasized, "The experience from that time has changed me a lot. Winning a trophy is not just about the trophy itself, but it can change the history of Tottenham and the mentality of the players."
When asked to compare his current self to the final he faced six years ago, he said, "I was very nervous during my first final. But now, as the captain, I have the luxury to look back at the whole team," and shared, "I have started to think about what preparations are necessary as a leader, not just as an individual player."
In response to a question about the penalty kick that followed Moussa Sissoko's handball foul, which had disrupted the flow of the game due to an early goal in the 2019 UCL final, he briefly expressed his regret by saying, "I still can’t believe that was a handball."
He cautiously opened up about the view that this final could be his last chance at Tottenham. He stated, "No one can predict how the future will unfold. This could be the end, or it could be another starting point," but added, "Right now, I am focusing solely on tomorrow."
He also gave an honest evaluation regarding the team's ongoing struggles in the Premier League. Son Heung-min said, "I personally find it hard to accept the current league results. However, today is not the time to reflect on that," and noted, "If we think about the opponents we have faced to get here, we can change the overall atmosphere of the season with a win tomorrow."
When asked what message he wanted to convey to his teammates, he replied, "The stage of the final itself is sufficient motivation," adding, "The important thing is calmness. I believe that showing the play we have done without hesitation will lead to results." He further stated, "Before the match, I plan to share my experiences with my teammates and help relieve their burdens."
He conveyed a warm message to his Korean fans, saying, "I know very well that you support us unwaveringly even at the difficult hour of 4 a.m.," and added, "This time, I want to repay that support with smiles. I want to lift the trophy and share the joy together."
For Son Heung-min, this final may serve as a turning point in his entire career beyond just the trophy. Attention from football fans is focused on whether the final piece of his puzzle, which he has been chasing for 10 years at the same team, can finally be completed.
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