No Regrets This Time: Son Heung-min's Message Ahead of Europa Final

Son’s Last Piece: A Decade of Dreams Rest on One Night

2025-05-13     풋볼아시안
ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during a training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on May 12, 2025 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

 

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has set his sights firmly on delivering silverware in what he believes could be the defining moment of his career in north London.

Speaking at the club’s training ground during an open media day ahead of the UEFA Europa League final, Son reflected on a journey that has spanned nearly a decade at Spurs, full of personal milestones but, crucially, still missing the ultimate team achievement.

“I’ve talked about it for years,” he said. “The reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others hadn’t achieved. You can’t complete a puzzle without the final piece, and I feel like we’ve found every piece but one. I’ve spent ten years searching for it. I hope this time, we can finally complete it.”

The South Korean forward, who has already featured in two finals for the club – the 2019 Champions League and the 2021 Carabao Cup – admitted those disappointments have fuelled his hunger for success.

“You always learn something from failure,” he noted. “The squad has changed a lot, but the experienced players, myself included, have to pass those lessons on. This time feels different. I want it more than anything, and I know the fans do too. If we prepare well, anything is possible.”

Son also revealed a touching exchange with former teammate Harry Kane, who recently lifted the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich.

“I sent him a text, and he replied with a video call,” Son smiled. “He looked so happy, and I was genuinely delighted for him. He’s a close friend and someone I achieved so much with. That positive energy – I hope it brings us luck too.”

Despite injury concerns earlier in the season, Son remained philosophical about his physical condition heading into the final.

“Very rarely do players feel 100% fit going into matches,” he said. “Rather than dwelling on injuries, I’m focused on preparing well and performing at my best. Thinking positively is what matters now.”

This will be Son’s third final in a Spurs shirt, and with no guarantees of another opportunity, the 31-year-old is embracing the moment with total commitment.

“Every game is special, but this one might never come again,” he said. “I’m giving it everything – mentally and physically. I don’t want any regrets. For the fans who want this as much as I do, I want to bring them the biggest smile possible – a real gift to take home when the season ends.”

As Spurs prepare to face their biggest night in recent history, Son’s words underline the emotional weight behind the fixture – a chance not just for glory, but for closure.