The respect that teammates have for Son Heung-min (32, Tottenham) was deeply revealed along with the UEFA Europa League victory. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who played a crucial wall-like role in the final, emphasized that Son Heung-min was indeed the player who had waited the longest for this trophy, sharing the significance of the victory with him.

Tottenham ascended to the top by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final held at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korean time). After taking the lead with an own goal from the opponent in the 42nd minute of the first half, they ultimately raised the European trophy by fending off a relentless offensive from Manchester United.

This victory was indeed an achievement after a long wait for the club. It marked their first trophy in 17 years since the League Cup in 2008 and was an impressive feat achieved 41 years after the 1983-1984 season in the Europa League (including the former UEFA Cup). At the same time, they also secured a place in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League for the next season and an entry into the UEFA Super Cup.

The match was very special for Son Heung-min as well. After joining Tottenham in 2015, he established himself as a symbol of the team over the past 10 years while having to endure the pain of many near-misses. He had reached the finals in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and League Cup, but the trophy always felt far away. However, with this UEFA Europa League victory, he finally embraced the first club trophy of his career.

Son Heung-min's presence was also clearly felt by his teammates. In particular, goalkeeper Vicario had not hidden his special affection for Son Heung-min even before the final.

In an interview with TNT Sports, he said, “One of the biggest reasons we wanted to win in this final is because of Sonny (Son Heung-min). I want to repay his dedication.”

And those words became a reality. Vicario firmly blocked Manchester United's attacks throughout the match and became a key contributor to the victory by finishing the game without conceding a goal.

After the match, he did not hold back his praise for Son Heung-min. In an interview with Italian Calciomercato, Vicario stated, “Son Heung-min is a warm and kind person who clearly understands what kind of player he is. We are a team that moves around Son Heung-min. It was our responsibility to empower such a leader.”

He continued, “It is an honor to have been able to share my career with Son Heung-min while wearing the Tottenham uniform. He is a player who could have played for a larger club, but he fought for the team until the end by staying with Tottenham. That belief has been rewarded with today’s result.”

Vicario also spoke about the significance of this victory, saying, “This trophy does not just end as a record. This moment will be remembered for a lifetime. Even as time passes and we reunite in London again, we will think of that day in the 2025 UEFA Europa League final.”

He added, “Lifting the trophy with Son Heung-min is very meaningful. To me, Son Heung-min is the best player in Asian history. I am proud just to have been part of this moment.”

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