Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) shared the joy of victory with fans through a hometown bus parade.
Tottenham held an open-top parade in central London, England, on the 24th (Korean time) to celebrate their victory in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL).
Tottenham lifted the trophy after defeating Manchester United (Man U) 1-0 in the final held at the Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd.
With this, Tottenham reached the pinnacle of an official competition for the first time in 17 years since winning the league cup in the 2007-2008 season. In terms of European competitions, it is the first time in 41 years since winning the UEFA Cup in the 1983-1984 season.
Due to a foot injury, Son Heung-min was excluded from the starting lineup for the final against Man U, but was substituted in the second half to help maintain the team's lead.
He made his professional debut in Hamburg, Germany, in 2010 and experienced his first victory with Tottenham after joining the team in 2015, marking a decade of waiting.
This UEL victory is particularly special for him. After making his professional debut in Hamburg in the German Bundesliga in 2010, he tasted victory for the first time with his club.
On that day, Son Heung-min, wearing a victory celebration shirt and sunglasses while on the bus, toured central London, receiving cheers from fans. The Tottenham squad shared their joy as they traveled a distance of about 3 kilometers in London over a period of 2 hours.
Approximately 150,000 fans gathered throughout the streets. They created an enthusiastic atmosphere by setting off blue and white smoke bombs and climbing traffic lights and lampposts. The British media outlet 'Daily Mail' reported, "The parade route became a festival."
On the bus, Son Heung-min exclaimed, "Look at this. This feels amazing. I will never forget this moment. Wow."
He continued, "I dreamed of this moment. I am really happy to win while wearing the Tottenham jersey. I am so proud of our team. It feels like just two days have passed since the match against Man U. I feel like I only slept five hours, and it's already Friday. We achieved something that no one has done for 17 years. It is even more meaningful because it is an achievement I made as captain. It's hard to put into words."
Lastly, he stated, "I have long said that I want to win at Tottenham. So today is a very special day. I am incredibly happy, beyond what words can express."
'Daily Mail' reported that Son Heung-min lost his voice over the excitement he couldn't contain for two days.
Meanwhile, Tottenham did not hold a parade when they won the league cup in 2008. They only revealed the trophy to fans before the UEFA Cup match. The last official parade was held near White Hart Lane Stadium (the former home ground) after winning the FA Cup in 1991.
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