Son Heung-min: If I can win the UEFA Cup, I will complete the last puzzle at Tottenham

May 14th Son Heung-min was interviewed by South Korean media and talked about topics such as the UEFA Cup finals between Tottenham and Manchester United next week.

Regarding my expectations for the Europa League final, I have been saying over the years that the most important reason why I stayed at Tottenham is that I want to do something that others can't do, which is why I am still here today. Without all the tiles, you can't complete the puzzle, and I think we are the most important part. I felt like I had been wandering for ten years, and seemed to have been looking for the last piece of the puzzle, and I hope I can finally finish it this time.

Compared with the previous two finals, is there any difference in this game?

I believe we have learned a lot from past failures, the team has changed a lot since those two finals, but for me and those experienced players it is important that we pass on what we have learned to others. It feels different this time. I really want to win. I long for victory. I know that there are many people who support us passionately, just like us. If we are well prepared, I believe good things will happen.

Kane recently won his first title. Have you contacted him?

I sent him a message and he replied to a video call. He looked very happy and I was really happy for him. Kane is a very close friend to me and this time he won the championship, and I felt like my family won the championship. If Kane can convey positive energy to us, maybe we can also create some special achievements.

Fans have been worried about your injury...

As a football player, you rarely participate in a game when you are in a physical condition of 100%. Rather than tangling with this, I think it’s more important to get back into the game and think actively about what’s ahead.

This will be your third time representing Tottenham in the finals of the competition. How did you deal with it psychologically?

Every game is special to me and has equal value, but this time it was a very good opportunity and I want to be fully focused on preparing for it, both mentally and physically, and this time I don't want to leave any regrets, especially for fans who are more eager for this championship than I do, I want to bring joy to them. When I returned to South Korea after the season, I wanted to bring joy to Korean fans.

Your opponent in the final is Manchester United. As someone who may have grown up watching Manchester United games since childhood, will this inspire you some special emotions?

No matter who we face, the most important thing is that we do our own things well, so I have no emotional factors towards my opponent. The first thing I think of is always how to bring joy and happiness to those who support me and give me a lot, including my family, fans, teammates and staff. I know, because of Park Ji-sung's existence, there are many Manchester United fans in South Korea, but I believe there will be many people supporting us.