'Just before the World Cup,' Son Heung-min makes a determined statement: "I accept the captaincy under Hong Myung-bo, but... football is a team sport"

*This content was translated by AI.

Son Heung-min (34, LAFC), who once led Tottenham Hotspur to its golden era and dominated the European stage, openly shared his painful feelings watching his former club face a shocking relegation crisis and his resolve ahead of the upcoming FIFA North American World Cup.

US media outlet 'USA Today' focused its coverage on an interview with Son Heung-min on the 21st (Korea time). Through the outlet, Son Heung-min conveyed his unwavering affection for Tottenham and his determination ahead of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

Since Son Heung-min left, Tottenham's decline has been relentless. Son Heung-min, who served as Tottenham's captain during the 2024-2025 season, broke a long trophy drought by lifting the UEFA Europa League (UEL) championship trophy before moving to the United States.

However, Tottenham, after Son Heung-min's departure, collapsed rapidly and now faces the worst crisis of relegation to the English Championship (second division). Tottenham will face a decisive showdown against Everton in the final English Premier League match on the 25th. If Tottenham loses this match and rival West Ham United defeats Leeds United at the same time, Tottenham will be relegated for the first time in 49 years since 1977.

Speaking to 'USA Today,' Son Heung-min said, "Last year, we achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Europa League," and added, "Watching Tottenham's matches now is truly painful," revealing his honest feelings.

He continued, "Even after leaving the team, I still follow the matches. Due to the time difference, I cannot watch every game live, but I make sure to watch all highlights and try to offer my strongest support." He confessed, "Checking the results of every match and going through these difficult times feels as if I am still there."

Son Heung-min also said, "Fortunately, we have seen good results in recent weeks, and the team's atmosphere is improving. Of course, the relegation battle is not over, but I want to send my strongest support to Tottenham from afar."

He further emphasized, "Tottenham is still in my heart. It is the place where I learned and grew the most, both as a human being and as a footballer. Even from the other side of the globe, I will offer my greatest support."

Son Heung-min also expressed deep affection for his former coach, Mauricio Pochettino, who brought him to London and helped him grow into a global star. Pochettino, now the head coach of the US national team, once described Son Heung-min as "someone like my own son" ahead of the friendly matches between Korea and the United States last September. Recalling the passionate embrace he shared with Pochettino in New Jersey at the time, Son Heung-min said, "That moment felt like I had returned to being 23 years old. He is the person who brought 23-year-old me back to Tottenham, taught me so much, and helped me grow into a man. The time I spent with Coach Pochettino was the period where I learned the most in my football career and life."

He continued, "We still maintain an amazing relationship. Although I wouldn't want to meet him as an opponent, I hope he receives the best blessings he deserves. I want to express my love and gratitude for the wonderful things he taught me as a coach," showing his deep respect.

Son Heung-min also scored the opening goal in the friendly match against the United States at the time, leading Korea to a 2-0 victory. Korea has been drawn in Group A of the North American World Cup along with host nation Mexico, Czechia, and South Africa.

Recently, the Korean national team suffered consecutive defeats in friendly matches against World Cup qualifiers in March, losing 0-4 to Ivory Coast and 0-1 to Austria.

In response, Son Heung-min stated, "I am serving as the captain of the national team. Football is a team sport." He added, "I do not care at all about personal statistics or historical records. If Korea can reach higher places in the World Cup, I would be the happiest person in the world," reaffirming his resolve.

He also said, "As captain, I always feel a great sense of responsibility. I try to share this with wonderful teammates. I have amazing team members around me who can share this burden with me." He added, "This World Cup will be a huge challenge. That is exactly why we love football."

Regarding his determination for the North American World Cup, he said, "Seeing Koreans perform on the world's biggest stage is an immense pride as a citizen of the Republic of Korea." He added, "I am truly happy to be able to participate in the world's greatest tournament, the World Cup, carrying this pride in my heart."

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*This content was translated by AI.