Europa League final “could be my last chance” to win trophy with Spurs, says Son | OneFootball

Son Heung-min has suggested that Wednesday’s UEFA Europa League final could be his last chance to win a trophy with Spurs, as he insisted that “we never know” what the future holds.

The South Korean forward has just a year remaining on his contract in North London, and when asked in Tuesday’s press conference if it feels like winning a trophy is “now or never”, the 32-year-old admitted that “it could be my last chance, or [there could be] another chance.”

“We could play next year Champions League, or we could play – I don’t know – we might play in a final. We never know. The chance I have now is real. It is a fact: tomorrow is a final, the Europa League final. I will not think about anything else.”

“I just want to concentrate on tomorrow, on winning and lifting the trophy with the boys,” he told reporters gathered at Bilbao’s San Mamés ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Manchester United. The game gets underway at 20:00 BST [21:00 CEST].

Alongside Ben Davies, Son is one of just two players at the club to have started Spurs’ UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool in 2019. Jürgen Klopp’s men claimed a 2-0 win in Madrid that day, having taking the lead early on when Moussa Sissoko was judged to have handled the ball inside the opening minute.

“I still don’t think it was handball,” Son laughed, before explaining that he will use the match to stress the importance of ensuring a positive start in the Basque Country on Wednesday.

“Every game is the same – the first 15 minutes are hugely important to get a game tempo, game rhythm. It’s hugely important. I’ll especially mention to the boys that it’s important we start well to get our confidence.”

Son also highlighted his personal transformation since that day at the Metropolitano six years ago, reminding reporters that the Champions League final was his “first final at professional level and it was very nervous moments, and very exciting moments.”

“But I was very nervous and couldn’t believe I was in the Champions League final. Six years after, obviously, I’m a grown man and experienced and want to prepare in my way, calm.”

“There have been changes: so many years, so many different players, and also my role has changed from just a player to the captain of the club, leader of the boys and I just want to help the boys to lift it together. That is my dream.”

Spurs take on Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final at 20:00 BST [21:00 CEST] on Wednesday 21 May.