"I am a legend."
Tottenham overcame Manchester United 1-0 in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League final held at San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korea time). After taking the lead with an own goal from the opponent in the 42nd minute of the first half, they maintained it until the end.
This victory held significant meaning in the history of Tottenham. After 17 years without a trophy since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season, Tottenham finally ended their long period without a title and achieved their third UEFA Europa League victory (1971-72, 1983-84, 2024-25) on the European stage. At the same time, they secured qualification for the next season's UEFA Champions League.
The match also held special significance for Son Heung-min. He began his professional career in 2010 at Hamburger SV in Germany and joined Tottenham in 2015 after stints at Bayer Leverkusen, consistently serving as the team's key attacker. However, he had often finished as a runner-up at many significant tournaments. He placed second in the Premier League (2016-17), was the runner-up in the UEFA Champions League (2018-19), and was a runner-up in the League Cup (2020-21). Despite many challenges, the last step always eluded him.
His only victory record was the gold medal from the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. This Europa League victory is the first trophy that Son Heung-min has lifted in his club career and makes him the second Korean player to win this tournament, including the UEFA Cup era. Former coach Cha Bum-kun previously won the UEFA Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1980 and 1988.
Ahead of the final, Son Heung-min's participation was a major topic of interest locally. Recently recovering from a foot injury, he checked his condition through matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, but ultimately, Head Coach Ange Postecoglou decided to leave Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup and keep him on the bench.
In the 67th minute, Son Heung-min was substituted in for Richarlison. Although he did not directly contribute to the scoring, he injected energy into the team with his trademark agility and active commitment. In the 81st minute, he attempted a shot during a counterattack but was blocked by the opponent's defense, and in the 84th minute, he took a free-kick, involving himself in the attack.
After taking the lead with an own goal in the first half, Tottenham defended against Manchester United's onslaught to maintain their lead, and when the final whistle blew, Son Heung-min rushed off the bench to embrace his teammates and share in the joy of victory. He then draped the national flag over his shoulders and slowly walked toward the trophy, lifting the champion's cup with both hands.
Son Heung-min's eyes were filled with tears. Having captained Tottenham for two years, he had steadfastly maintained his position amid injuries and the team's struggles, making this victory more than just a trophy for him. Throughout the match and following the victory, Son Heung-min roamed the field as the representative leader of the team.
After the match, Son Heung-min expressed through TNT Sports, "It’s such an amazing feeling. Today is the day my dream comes true. It’s a moment I have always dreamed of." He continued, "I am so happy. I might be the happiest man in the world," he remarked with a smile. "This season has had many difficult times, but we were always together. I felt a lot of pressure and wanted this victory so desperately. I dreamt about it every night for the past week. Now I think I can sleep peacefully."
Son Heung-min said, "It was 4 a.m. in Korea. I am grateful to all the fans who supported me even at that time. I am really proud. I am so happy to stand before Korean fans holding this trophy." He added, "On Sunday (when the final Premier League match takes place), I will smile the biggest smile in front of the fans. I am really happy to meet the fans as a proud Korean with this trophy."
Regarding his 'soul partner' Kane, Son Heung-min stated, "I was really happy that Harry won. And now we both have won. Harry!" and sent a warm message to his former teammate.
Son Heung-min remarked, "They will call me a legend. Only today! For 17 years, although there have been excellent players at the club, no one has won. Today was that day, and for that reason, I want to say I am a legend today. I will celebrate and enjoy today."
He added, "I am really glad to have won. This is something I have dreamed of for a long time. Today is the day that dream came true. It's hard to say anything more than that I am happy. I am the happiest person in the world."
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