Son Heung-min has vowed to ‘complete’ his Tottenham career by leading his troubled team to Europa League glory in the final against Manchester United on May 22.
Spurs captain Son has scored 173 goals in 451 appearances across 10 seasons in north London, but has failed to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
The South Korea forward suffered painful defeats in the Champions League final against Liverpool in 2019 and the League Cup showpiece against Manchester City four years ago. However, he hopes next Wednesday’s all-English clash in Bilbao will be a more joyful experience.
“The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others couldn’t achieve. If we prepare well, I believe we can achieve it [the title],” said Son.
While Ange Postecoglou’s team have endured a torrid Premier League campaign — currently sitting in 17th place — they have saved their best for Europe to reach the first final of the Australian’s turbulent two-year reign, giving Son a chance to win his first trophy at club level.
“You need all the pieces to complete a puzzle. I think I’ve gathered all the other pieces to make that puzzle complete. It feels like I’ve been missing that one most important final piece and I’ve been trying to find it for the past 10 years. I really hope I can finally complete the puzzle this time,” said Son with regards to his trophy-less domestic football career.
Standing in Tottenham’s path are an equally unpredictable Manchester United side, who have also had contrasting fortunes in the Premier League and Europe.
United are one place above Tottenham in the Premier League table (16th). However, they have gone unbeaten in 13 European games this season, the only team to do so.
In a clash of two imperfect sides, only one will be able to end a wretched campaign on a high.