Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, a prominent figure in Korean football, has once again dismissed rumors of a move to Saudi Arabia in front of foreign press.
According to Football London and Sky Sports, Son Heung-min, one day before the friendly match against West Ham United (England) in Perth, Australia, responded with a smile when questioned by reporters about the transfer speculation to Saudi Arabia.
“If I wanted to go there, I wouldn’t be here,” Son said. He further stated, “Money is certainly important, but I love playing football.”
He continued, “I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Premier League, and there’s still much I want to achieve.”
Son expressed his anticipation for the upcoming season, saying, “Last season, I wasn’t in the best physical condition.” He added, “This season, I want to prove that the ‘Sonny’ (Son Heung-min’s nickname) everyone knows is back and ready to perform.”
He emphasized once again, “Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly an interesting destination where many players are heading, but playing in the Premier League is my dream.”
Last month, on the 20th, global sports media ESPN reported that Son Heung-min was offered an enormous contract by Saudi club Al-Ittihad, worth 30 million euros per season for four years.
Shortly after ESPN’s report, Son Heung-min, who met with the South Korean press after a friendly match against El Salvador at Daejeon World Cup Stadium, stated, “I love the Premier League, and I believe there’s still much for me to achieve in the Premier League.”
He also recalled the past statement of his senior captain Ki Sung-yueng (currently playing for Seoul FC), who once said, “‘The captain of the South Korean national team doesn’t go to the Chinese league.” Son alluded to this strong determination not to consider moving to the Saudi league.
About a month later, facing the same question from foreign media, Son Heung-min gave a similar response, clearly stating that he is not considering a move to Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, he did not hide his excitement about Tottenham’s new head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo.
Son Heung-min expressed, “I was really happy on the day the new coach was announced. I saw the coach leading Celtic to defeat the Scottish league.”
He also mentioned, “I remember 2015,” referring to a particular connection he shares with Nuno Espirito Santo.
In 2015, Nuno Espirito Santo, as the coach of the Australian national team, faced South Korea in the Asian Cup final. After an intense match that went into extra time, Australia secured a 2-1 victory and won the championship.
During that game, Son Heung-min scored the equalizing goal in the dying moments of the second half, sending the match into extra time.
What seemed like an unfortunate encounter between South Korea and Nuno Espirito Santo at the time has turned into a beneficial and harmonious relationship in recent times.
Nuno Espirito Santo took the reins of Celtic, the top team in Scotland, and personally made efforts to bring Oh Hyun-gyu from Suwon Samsung in January.
Having guided Oh Hyun-gyu to European football, Nuno Espirito Santo is now coaching Son Heung-min.
Son Heung-min expressed, “I am looking forward to a fantastic attacking style of football” and showed his support and encouragement to the new manager. 먹튀검증