Son Heung-min, facing the camera for the first time since the controversy: "It wasn't actually easy... but it's a process of getting healthier." Directly puts an end to discord rumors: "I hope you will now focus only on our performance"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Son Heung-min (34, LAFC), captain of the South Korea national football team, appeared in front of cameras for the first time since the controversy over internal strife within the national team. He conveyed his determination that the recently surfaced conflict rumors are already over and that he will prove himself solely through on-field performance.

Son Heung-min shared the background of the joint statement released the previous day and his current feelings at the official pre-match press conference for the Saudi Arabia match held on the 12th (Korean time) at Qatar University training ground in Doha, Qatar.

Previously, Son Heung-min, along with senior players such as Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang In-beom (Porto), Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke), and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), released a joint statement regarding the discord rumors. They categorically denied the "theory that specific demands were pushed through using retirement as a bargaining chip" that had emerged from some quarters, clarifying that they only shared a common concern that the team needed to improve.

According to KBS reporting, Son Heung-min expressed his feelings about the mental strain he has endured: "There has been a lot of talk about the national team, so it actually wasn't easy. If I were to describe it as a process of getting healthier, I suppose that would be an appropriate way to put it."

He also emphasized that misunderstandings had been resolved and consensus reached through communication within the squad. "We have had good discussions and agreed to move forward with one goal and in one direction, so I hope you will focus only on our performance from now on," he said, urging the public to concentrate solely on their on-pitch actions rather than external speculation.

He also demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility regarding the weight of the captain's armband he has worn for over eight years. "It is not something I can choose, and in a way, I think this weight is a great honor," Son Heung-min said, vowing to do his best until the very end.

Son Heung-min and the national team, having resolved the conflict, are now set to rebuild their cohesion as they head toward the friendly match against Saudi Arabia on the 13th and the Asian Cup championship, which has been postponed by one year.

This match against Saudi Arabia is the first game of this year's final two-match international series. Son Heung-min, who scored his 59th international goal last month, will also challenge for his 60th career international goal.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original