Son Heung-min admitted that he had just experienced the most difficult week of his life, after losing with South Korea in the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup.
Son failed to achieve his goal of winning the Asian Cup in his fourth appearance in the tournament. Not only that, the scuffle between him and his junior Lee Kang-in right before the semifinal match against Jordan on February 6 made the atmosphere even more chaotic.
Immediately after the defeat in the semi-finals, Son returned to Tottenham and played in the 24th round of the 2023-2024 Premier League on February 10. Son came on for Rodrigo Bentancur in the 62nd minute, then made his mark by assisting Brennan Johnson to seal the 2-1 victory in the sixth minute of injury time. On February 16, Tottenham's media channel posted a video interview with the Korean striker, in which he talked a lot about the disappointing Asian Cup.
"The past week has been the hardest week of my life," Son said in the interview. "But Tottenham fans made me happy and strong again."
Son Heung-min covers his face in disappointment after South Korea lost 0-2 to Jordan in the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: Yonhap
In the win over Brighton on February 10, the fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium gave Son a long standing ovation from the moment he warmed up and came on as a substitute. The striker, born in 1992, described it as a moment he would never forget.
"I was still heartbroken and upset after the Asian Cup. So when I received such a welcome, I felt like I had just come home," Son continued.
Son was also grateful to receive a warm welcome and hugs from his teammates when he returned to training with Tottenham after the Asian Cup. He felt empowered and affirmed that he will soon regain his positive and dynamic image as usual.
The Tottenham and South Korean captain has not spoken about the scuffle with his junior Lee Kang-in that left him with a dislocated finger before the Asian Cup semi-final. In this incident, the wave of criticism has been directed more at Lee Kang-in, the leaders of the Korean Football Association (KFA) and coach Jurgen Klinsmann - who was fired on February 16.
Son Heung-min shines to help South Korea come from behind to beat Australia 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup.
When asked about the scuffle between his players in the national team, coach Ange Postecoglou said: "Leadership is not about being liked by everyone or making everyone happy. A leader must stand on the best side of the group when he sees something wrong. And I saw that in Son."
Postecoglou insists Son is positive, but hungry for victory and doesn't like to deviate from the norm. As such, the striker is willing to speak up if things go wrong. "Sometimes leaders get criticised, but if you think it's right, you have to act decisively," the Tottenham manager added.
Son has yet to win a major title at club level. His only notable achievements are the UEFA Champions League runner-up in 2018-2019 and the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021-2022. Meanwhile, Son's biggest title at national team level is the 2018 Asian Games gold medal. However, this striker is still considered one of the greatest Asian players, thanks to his consistent performance in Europe with nine consecutive seasons playing in the Premier League since the summer of 2015.
In the Premier League this season, Son has scored 12 goals and assisted six goals in 21 matches. Tottenham is currently fourth in the Premier League with 47 points after 24 rounds, and will host Wolves in round 25 tonight, February 17.
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