After the Europa League final ended, in a quick post-match interview at San Mames, when asked whether he had been considered a legend, Son Heung-min responded happily: "Yes, now I am a legend of this team".
That statement Son had to wait 10 years to share with fans, since he was a young man new to Tottenham, now the captain of the new Europa League championship. Son is the first Asian player in history to captain a European champion. That alone was enough to make his name join the ranks of Asian football legends.
As for Tottenham, the values Son Heung-min brings are probably much greater than this Europa League title. In his 10 years of dedication, especially in the peak period from 2019 - 2024, Son has always been the top excellent striker in Europe. He has received a lot of attention from big teams but still chose to stay at Tottenham - a team that has gone 17 years without a title.
Two years ago, Son's most trusted partner, Harry Kane, said goodbye to Spurs to go to Bayern Munich to seek glory. Finally, at the end of his career, Kane had the Bundesliga silver plate. At that time, many people looked at Son Heung-min and wondered if the Korean striker felt regretful not leaving the team?
However, when the Europa League final was right in front of him, although his form was not as good as before, Son still tried his best in the minutes he ran on the pitch. He knew this was the only chance he had left in his peak career to reach a major trophy. Finally, the captain of the "Rooster" made a wish.
Son Heung-min is truly a Tottenham legend, although when comparing the number of championships with other famous players, he may be much less. However, if we look at a team that has been without a title for 17 years, the quality of its squad is not the top group, and has continuously failed in previous finals, ... we can only see how much perseverance and determination the Korean striker has.
It is not known whether Son will continue to be with Tottenham after this season or not. He has shown signs of aging, his scoring form and number of minutes on the field have also decreased significantly compared to last season. Another year as a thank you or a farewell in glory, both of those scenarios are beautiful for the 32-year-old star.
Harry Kane will be remembered forever as one of the greatest strikers of the team. As for Son Heung-min, he will be remembered as a great captain, who, together with his teammates, brought home the first European title in Tottenham's history in the open era.
A vibrant summer is ahead for the "Roosters" as the doors of the Champions League are wide open. As for Son Heung-min, now is the time to relax, enjoy and rest after 10 years of tireless dedication.
