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Tottenham's new Japanese center back, Gota Takai (21), who is preparing for his "tardiness debut", gave a big laugh.
Tottenham released a video of Takai who made Son Heung-min (33, LA FC) 'Memories' on the 4th (Korea time). When I asked Takai if he knew any Korean, he replied with a smile, "Silly". When asked again if he knew what he meant, he smiled with an explosive smile and said "Stupid(Stupid)". And "Son Heung-min taught me. Son Heung-min smiled brightly at me, saying, `You're a fool.'
'Captain' is done. It's been less than a month since Son Heung-min spent time with Takai. Tottenham announced the signing of Takai, who played for Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League, on July 8. The contract lasted for five years and the transfer fee was 5 million pounds (about 98 won). It recorded the highest transfer fee ever among players who went straight to Europe from the J-League.
Son announced his separation from South Korea, the final leg of the Asian tour, after joining Tottenham's pre-season in July. In the case of Takai, he was out of power even before starting at Tottenham. I missed the tour due to plantar fasciitis.
However, Takai enjoyed Son Heung-min's last Tottenham together 'honor'. He said, `Son Heung-min took me to a Korean restaurant in London"It became the talk of the town.
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Dakai, who had a long gap due to thigh injuries, played in his first game in Tottenham's uniform on the 3rd. He made his debut in the Under-21s (under-21s) match against Darcynum & Redbridge. Radu Dragusin, who underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery last season, also participated in the game. It means a return is imminent.
Tottenham are rocked by Son Heung-min's 'return' He will meet fans and say goodbye before Game 6 of the 2025-2026 European Champions League (UCL) league phase against Slavia Prague at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London at 5 a.m. on the 10th.
Son Heung-min said on the club's SNS, `When I announced my transfer, it always bothered me that I couldn't say goodbye directly to the fans in London because I was in Korea. So I'm really happy to visit London again on the 9th. I can thank Tottenham fans for supporting me and my family for over 10 years"It will probably be an emotional moment, but I think it's a necessary time for both me and the club."
Tottenham also released Son Heung-min's video letter on the 4th. Son Heung-min said "I was in Korea when I left Tottenham. So I didn't have a chance to say goodbye properly"I'm happy to see you again in London on December 9th. It will be a very emotional day. See you soon."
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A mural of Son Heung-min's own choice will also be unveiled. Tottenham worked with a fan advisory committee to start a mural honoring Son Heung-min's legacy on Tottenham's High Road. Mural painting is a privilege that only legends among legends can enjoy.
Nesting at Tottenham in the summer of 2015, he changed Tottenham's history. The best gift was the jubilation of victory. Tottenham's dark history in the 2024-2025 season has finally come to an end.
Son Heung-min gave him the trophy in the Europa League (UEL) as the captain. It was the first time in 17 years since the top of the league cup in the 2007-2008 season. The European tournament was the first championship in 41 years since the 1983-1984 season.
Son Heung-min continues to play after leaving Tottenham. Although he failed to reach the top, he scored 12 goals and four assists in 13 games, perfectly taking over the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS).
Meanwhile, Takai is Japan's top prospect. He gained attention in February 2022 when he became the youngest person to sign a professional contract in Kawasaki's history. He made his first-team debut at the age of 17 in April through the Asian Champions League (ACL).
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Making his first-team debut in the 2023 J1 League, he made 21 appearances that year. In the 2024 season, he played in 24 games and scored two goals to win the league's Young Player Award.
Before moving to Tottenham, he played consistently and scored two goals in 19 league games. In September last year, he was selected for the Japanese national team and made his A-match debut. He has played in four A matches so far.
Japanese national team coach Hajime Moriyasu had high expectations when Takai moved to Tottenham. He said "It's really great to be able to challenge calmly. He also has excellent physical abilities. He is also highly skilled, but he boldly performs the play he has to play even under pressure, in an attitude to play better than he is now without being intimidated. His mental part is leading to his growth," he said.
"I want you to be Virgil van Dijk of Japan," Moriyasu said. "I want you to play consistently." Tottenham is a powerhouse with a history. She also won the European title last season. I hope you will compete in it and contribute to the competition to win the Premier League and the Champions League. I hope it goes beyond Van Dijk."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
