"I'm probably the happiest man in the world."
It was the smile of Son Heung-min (Tottenham), who lifted his first career championship trophy. Tottenham won 1-0 with Brennan Johnson's winning goal in the 42nd minute in the 2024-2025 Europa League (UEL) final against Manchester United at Estadio San Mames in Bilbao, Spain, at 4 a.m. on the 22nd (Korea time). Tottenham qualified for the European Champions League next season. Tottenham won the league cup for the first time in 17 years since lifting it in the 2007-2008 season. It was the first time in 41 years that he won the European tournament since winning the UEFA Cup in the 1983-1984 season.
It was also Son's first career victory. He has enjoyed the best stages in the world, including the German Bundesliga, EPL, UCL, and FIFA World Cup, but has never been at the top. The gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games is the only winning record. However, the Asian Games are not organized by FIFA. He reached the final of the UCL 2020-2021 League Cup in the 2018-2019 season, but all finished second. Son Heung-min finally added to his career by lifting the Europa League trophy.
Son Heung-min was excluded from the starting list on the day. Son Heung-min recently returned from injury. In the 36th round of the EPL against Crystal Palace on the 11th, he returned after being replaced in the 13th minute of the second half, and in the 37th round against Aston Villa on the 17th, he was in the starting lineup. After 74 minutes of playing on the ground, he announced that he had recovered his normal condition. In particular, his unique sprint ability remained. Tottenham manager Enze Postecoglou said after the match against Aston Villa that Son is ready to play in the UEL final. I'm ready to start." The Telegraph and Football London also claimed that Son should start to give him a chance to become a legend.
However, Postecoglou, who emphasized a more stable defense, put forward three defensive midfielder-oriented players, Rodrigo Bentancur-Pape Sarr-Iv Bissouma. This is the background of Son Heung-min on the bench.
Son Heung-min stepped on the ground in the 22nd minute of the second half when Hishalisson felt ankle pain. Son Heung-min was given a defensive role rather than an attack. He looked more like a wing-back. Of course, he took the lead in counterattacks. I almost got two chances, but I was blocked by the opponent's tackle. Son Heung-min made only 13 touches on the day, but made one dribble. Commitment moves not shown in the record. Tottenham finally sealed the victory, keeping a good lid on Manchester United's wave offensive.
Son Heung-min, wearing the national flag, shed tears of joy. He was at the center of the victory ceremony as Tottenham's captain. Rewarded for ten years of dedication at Tottenham. Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Son said "It's a really amazing feeling. Today is the day that dreams come true. It's a moment I've always dreamed of. "I'm so happy. I'm sure he's the happiest man in the world." "There were many difficult times this season, but we were always together. I felt a lot of pressure, and I wanted this championship so badly. I've been dreaming every night for the past week. I think I can sleep comfortably now."
Son Heung-min also thanked his Korean fans. He said "It was four o'clock in the morning in Korea. I would like to thank the fans for their support even at that time. I'm so proud of you. I'm so happy to be in front of my Korean fans with this trophy."I'll be smiling the biggest smile in front of my fans on Sunday. I'm really happy to meet my fans as a proud Korean with this trophy."
He also mentioned that the `Son-Ke Duo' Harry Kane, who also solved his anger in Bayern Munich. "I was really happy that Harry won."Now we both win, Harry!" Kane also celebrated Tottenham's victory on social media.
Son Heung-min said lastly "I'll say it's a legend now. Why isn't it working. Just today! No one has done it in 17 years. With cool players today, it will probably be a legend of the club. This is what I've always dreamed of."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
