Mourinho praises Son Heung-min after Tottenham's UEL victory and emotional moment

Tax coach (62) José Mourinho congratulated Tottenham on their Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Europa League (UEL) victory and specifically mentioned Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham).

Mourinho, who has led both Tottenham and Manchester United (ManU) in the past, revealed in an interview with British Sky Sports on the 28th (Korea time) that "this Europa League final was a complex emotion." He stated that it was special for Son Heung-min, who finally won the title.

Tottenham won the 2024-2025 UEL final against ManU 1-0 on the 22nd in Bilbao, Spain.

The two teams that faced off in the final were both led by Mourinho in the past. He managed ManU from 2016 to 2018 and Tottenham from November 2019 to April 2021.

Mourinho said, "My heart was divided. I still love ManU, and I'm on good terms with coach Amorim, so it was sad to see them lose." However, he added, "Seeing Son Heung-min holding the trophy and crying made me feel another emotion. It was likely a special moment for Tottenham fans."

During his time as Tottenham's manager, Mourinho maintained a close relationship with Son Heung-min. They were frequently captured smiling and talking both on and off the field.

However, during his tenure at Tottenham, he had no connection to winning titles. In fact, he was abruptly dismissed just before the 2021 League Cup final, leaving many regrets. Mourinho faced conflicts with chairman Daniel Levy during his time at Tottenham, but he maintained good relationships with the players.

With this UEL victory, Son Heung-min lifted his first trophy since turning professional. Tottenham also won a major tournament for the first time in 17 years since winning the League Cup in 2008.

Mourinho conveyed his congratulations, stating, "This is the result that coach Postecoglou, the players, and the fans have all been waiting for. Because it is a victory achieved after a long wait, it will be an even more valuable history."

Regarding ManU, he emphasized, "Failing to participate in club competitions is a significant blow to the club. However, coach Amorim needs more time and support."

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min expressed his joy in an interview with 'TNT Sports' immediately after the UEL victory, saying, "Can I say I'm a legend just for today? Just for today." He added, "Since I did something today that no one has done for 17 years, I might be considered a club legend if I am with great players."

He continued, "This (winning) was something I always dreamed of. That dream became a reality today. (For today) I am the happiest person in the world," and he said, "Looking back over the season, there are always tough times, but we always stood united. It was truly earnest. I dreamed about this game every night for the past seven days. Ultimately, it has come true, and now I think I can sleep comfortably."

Finally, he concluded, "Today is a day to celebrate. I hope it becomes a day I will never forget. I might miss my flight tomorrow."

Son Heung-min will go down in history as the first Korean captain to lead Tottenham to victory.

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