There is a reason he is a legend. Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham)'s serenade to Tottenham is resonating with local fans.

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final for the 2024-2025 season held at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korea time).

With this win, Tottenham lifted a trophy for the first time in 17 years since the League Cup in 2008, breaking the string of not winning. At the same time, Son Heung-min successfully claimed his first major trophy with his club in his 15-year professional debut. The victory in a European tournament is the first in 41 years.

The final was an important match not just for the title, but for the qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League. Despite finishing the Premier League in 17th place, Tottenham achieved a dramatic turnaround, while Manchester United had to bow their heads in a final with over £100 million (about 1.86 trillion won) in revenue at stake.

Tottenham took the lead with a decisive goal from Brennan Johnson in the 41st minute of the first half and managed to endure the fierce attacks from Manchester United until the end. Notably, in the second half, Micky van de Ven made a crucial defensive play on the goal line to save the team.

In the 67th minute, captain Son Heung-min was substituted in for Richarlison. Son Heung-min engaged in counterattacks with active pressing and movement from the front and even created a shooting opportunity in the 81st minute.

After the final whistle, Son Heung-min wrapped himself in the Korean flag and raised the trophy high. Surrounded by the cheers of his teammates, he held the final trophy at the center, completing the long-awaited victorious scene for 'Captain Son.'

The official UEFA Europa League channel didn't miss this moment. UEFA noted, "It was an incredible sight. The Tottenham players sang and danced with the fans, savoring their joy," and added, "Son Heung-min approached the stands again and performed a solo celebration, receiving thunderous applause from the filled stadium. The player most deserving of this moment was indeed this Korean striker."

After the match, Son Heung-min participated in an interview with broadcaster TNT Sports. The panel included Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand and Tottenham legend Gareth Bale. Son Heung-min shared, "I feel really great right now. Tottenham hasn't lifted a trophy for 17 years. It took a long time, and today is that day. I can now say that I am a legend of this club. Just today! I want to enjoy this moment."

He continued, "It really feels like a dream. This is the moment I've always dreamed of, and today that dream became reality. I am so happy. I feel like I am the happiest person in the world right now," and expressed, "I am truly proud. I am so proud to be Korean, and I really appreciate the fans who have supported us crazily even at 4 a.m. I dedicate this trophy to them. It belongs to all of us."

It didn't stop there. After joyously celebrating offline, Son Heung-min even changed his social media profile picture, using every means to relish the joy. His teammates rushed to his Instagram. Jed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Dane Scarlett all praised him with comments like "Our legend" and "Long live the captain." This scene was a clear testament to Son Heung-min's overwhelming popularity within the team.

Veterans also joined in. Glen Hoddle, regarded as Tottenham's greatest legend, led the team to its last UEFA Europa victory before Son Heung-min. He personally shared praises for Son Heung-min, expressing excitement during a post-match interview.

Hoddle first put his arm around Son Heung-min and stated, "The player on our squad who most deserves and should hold this trophy high is 'Son', and that is you. Your passion, goals, the way you play, and your dedication all make you our legend. This is all heartfelt."

With this victory, even though Son Heung-min may not compare to players like Bale, Kane, or Modric, he remains the only player to lift a trophy while staying at Tottenham, which has earned him the respect of fans. In fact, the global publication The Athletic highlighted, "Son Heung-min is the only player among Tottenham stars of the 21st century to lift a trophy while remaining with the team."

In an interview held in London, Son Heung-min said, "Honestly, I stayed because I wanted to win and lift a trophy with Tottenham. It may have been the hardest way, and it might have been wrong," adding, "But it doesn't matter. I only wanted to win for Tottenham. And we did it," expressing deep joy.

Tottenham fans reacted enthusiastically to these remarks. One fan in the community praised Son Heung-min as "Mr. Tottenham," insisting that a statue must be erected in his honor. Another fan also expressed joy, stating, "Hurry up and erect a statue and inscribe this interview as a quote on it. Personally, I think the pose should be of him raising the trophy."

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