The respect of teammates toward Son Heung-min (32, Tottenham) exploded with his rise to the top of Europe. Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario, who showcased a stunning performance in the Europa League final, raised his voice, stating that Son Heung-min was truly deserving of lifting the trophy and that a decade of waiting has finally been rewarded.

Tottenham lifted the champion's trophy after defeating Manchester United (commonly known as Man U) 1-0 in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League final held in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korean time). After leading with an own goal in the 42nd minute of the first half, Tottenham defended against Manchester United's attacks to maintain the lead and finally embraced a trophy that will go down in the club's history.

This victory marks Tottenham's first win in 17 years since the League Cup in 2008 and is also a remarkable achievement 41 years since the 1983-1984 season in the UEFA Europa League. With this triumph, Tottenham has secured a place in the main draw of the UEFA Champions League and a spot in the UEFA Super Cup for the next season.

This final stage held special meaning for Son Heung-min as well. Having worn the Tottenham jersey since 2015, he spent a decade as the team's leading striker but had to settle for several second-place finishes. The memories of falling short at pivotal moments, such as finishing second in the Premier League, being the runner-up in the UEFA Champions League, and the League Cup, had always left him with regret. However, all that waiting has finally borne fruit for Son Heung-min.

Goalkeeper Vicario did not hide his special feelings toward Son Heung-min even before the final.

In an interview with TNT Sports, Vicario expressed, 'One of the biggest reasons we wanted to win this tournament was for Son Heung-min,' conveying the team's united spirit toward him. And that determination became a reality. Vicario kept a clean sheet throughout the match, playing a decisive role in the team's victory.

Even after the match, he continued to praise Son Heung-min. Through Calciomercato, Vicario said, 'Son Heung-min is a very kind and considerate person and understands his strengths better than anyone.'

He added, 'Son Heung-min is the captain we believe in and follow. Creating an atmosphere that respects him as a leader was the responsibility and duty of all of us.'

Vicario stated, 'It is a great honor to contribute, even a little, to Son Heung-min's success as a Tottenham player,' adding that 'he could have played alongside global stars at a bigger club, but he chose Tottenham and stayed until the end.'

He continued, 'This victory with the club will tie us together for a lifetime. Even if we meet again in 25 years to watch a match in London, we will remember today forever.'

Vicario emphasized, 'The Europa League trophy means more than just a victory. We will be recorded as the team that brought home a European title after 41 years, and I am proud to share that moment with Son Heung-min. For me, Son Heung-min is the greatest figure among Asian players in history.'

Meanwhile, with this victory, Tottenham is also set to participate in the upcoming season's UEFA Super Cup. Vicario, who spent his youth at Udinese, expressed his excitement, stating, 'The Super Cup happening in my hometown is something I never even imagined would be possible. Now, I am going to play in that place where I used to cheer from the stands as a child, as a representative of the European champions.'

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