The prophet cannot help but be scorned. When such a prophet overcomes adversity, the interest of the fans doubles.
On the 24th (Korea time), Tottenham held an open-top parade in downtown London to celebrate winning the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL). On the 22nd, Tottenham defeated Manchester United (Man U) 1-0 in the final held at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, lifting the trophy.
With this, Tottenham achieved their first official title in 17 years since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. In terms of European competitions, it is their first title in 41 years since the UEFA Cup in the 1983-1984 season. Due to an injury, Son Heung-min was not in the starting lineup for the final against Man U but was substituted in the second half to maintain the team's lead.
Having made his professional debut in Hamburg, Germany, in 2010, he joined Tottenham in 2015 and experienced his first championship after 10 years. This UEL title is particularly special for him. After making his professional debut in the Bundesliga in Hamburg in 2010, he tasted victory for the first time with his club.
This victory for Tottenham has become a major topic as Son Heung-min raised the trophy after his dedication. On that day, standing on top of the bus wearing sunglasses and a victory shirt, Son Heung-min received cheers from fans as he paraded through downtown London. The Tottenham squad traveled about 3 kilometers through central London over a period of two hours, sharing in the joy.
Around 150,000 fans gathered throughout the streets. They set off blue and white smoke bombs and climbed onto traffic lights and lampposts, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere. The British media outlet 'Daily Mail' reported, "The parade route turned into a festival venue." On the bus, Son Heung-min exclaimed, "Look at this. It really feels amazing. I will never forget this moment. Wow."
He continued, "I dreamed of this moment. I am really happy to win wearing the Tottenham uniform. I am so proud of our team." He added, "The two days since the match against Man U have passed so quickly. It feels like I have slept for only five hours, and it is already Friday. We achieved something that nobody has done for 17 years. It is even more meaningful as it is an achievement while I am the captain. It is hard to express in words."
'Daily Mail' reported that Son Heung-min, unable to contain his joy for two days, has lost his voice. Meanwhile, Tottenham did not hold a parade when they won the League Cup in 2008, only unveiling the trophy to fans before the UEFA Cup match. The last official parade took place after winning the FA Cup in 1991 near White Hart Lane (the old home ground).
Comments from teammate James Maddison are also attracting attention. Although he was unable to play in the final due to injury, when the victory was confirmed, he embraced Son Heung-min, shedding tears together. He said during the parade, "Son Heung-min is the best person I have ever met, so I really like him," adding, "It was wonderful to see him lift the trophy for Tottenham."
Maddison said, "Son Heung-min lifted the trophy at the club he loves and has been with for over 10 years. This is our job, but it is still touching," adding, "I think it will be really hard for me to meet someone better 'as a person' as I go through life. He is really the best 'person.'"
For Son Heung-min, who has literally suffered from criticisms regarding leadership throughout the season, this is a great comfort. In fact, as Tottenham performed poorly all season, some analysts claimed that the reason was Son Heung-min's leadership. Former Tottenham player and commentator Jamie O'Hara is a representative figure of that critique.
O'Hara claimed during the season, "Son Heung-min is a fantastic player and has devoted a lot to Tottenham, but he is not a player who can unite the team when it is in trouble. If you are a captain, you should lead the team from the front, encourage the players, and pull the team out of crisis. But Son Heung-min is not that type of player. He should now step down as captain and give opportunities to other players."
Overcoming such criticisms, Son Heung-min has established himself as the best captain for the Tottenham squad. He said in a UEFA website and official interview, "Winning is an emotion that is really hard to describe. At the end, when I lifted the trophy, someone pushed me, and my head hit the trophy, leaving a scar. But even that scar is a good memory."
Son Heung-min stated, "Honestly, I am very grateful to my teammates. I may not be the best captain that the players have met, but they have always helped me. I feel that they respect me," emphasizing, "So I sincerely say thank you. I am really a lucky person to be on such a wonderful team."
This is not the end. In fact, when Son Heung-min chose to re-sign with Tottenham, various commentators mocked him by saying, "Son Heung-min chose salary over winning titles." This is essentially a criticism that remaining with a team like Tottenham, which is considered incapable of winning, shows a lack of ambition to win.
In reality, including Kane, Gareth Bale, and Luka Modrić, all have not won a trophy at Tottenham. However, Son Heung-min was different. In spite of such criticisms and public sentiment, he finally succeeded in leaving a legacy as a captain who lifted a major championship trophy at Tottenham.
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