'My Family': Tottenham star Son sends heartfelt Europa League message to South Korea

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min hopes to lift the Europa League trophy tonight as a tribute to family in South Korea who have helped the forward become the player he is today.

The 32-year-old had been an injury doubt going into the meeting with Manchester United, having not appeared in the Europa League since the first left of the quarter final against Eintracht Frankfurt. Son did feature against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the Premier League but is yet to play a full 90 minutes since coming back from the foot injury.

Speaking ahead of the game, Son said: "I'm ready. I didn't expect to play that long [against Villa], but physically I'm ready to go, and also the boys are ready to go for the biggest game of the season."

The South Korea international has 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season. He was part of the Spurs team that finished as runners-up in the Champions League in 2019 and the Carabao Cup in 2021. Son was also a runner-up with South Korea in the Asia Cup in 2015.

Son Heung-min sends Europa League message to South Korea

The Europa League final takes place in Bilbao this evening, nearly 10,000 kilometres away from South Korea. However, Son will have his home country and the many Spurs fans across the globe in his mind.

He said: "Winning a trophy isn’t just for me. It's a gift I want to give to my family who have sacrificed for me, and to the many fans who support me like family, whether it’s night, day, or early morning. I think our fans want this title even more than I do. I really want to show them what it’s like to win."

Previewing the match when speaking to the official Tottenham Hotspur social media channels. Son added: “Everyone running around celebrating, some people are crying, some people are laughing. This is just my image I always think about. This season could be really happening, a dream come true.

“We can talk about a lot of things but can’t doubt our togetherness. Everyone is there for each other. It doesn’t matter in tough times, they are always together and fight together. My favourite moment, I will pick that moment [win over TSG Hoffenheim] because there were so many injured players and beating a German team away from home, it was a tough time but we kept going.

“Frankfurt away, I was at home watching with my family. Seeing on the TV, the boys sacrificing and playing disciplined football, we felt like this could be. We are in the final - for that game, effort, hard work, commitment. If we find the last pieces of the puzzle, they will be perfect. Let’s do it for you.”

How to watch Tottenham in Europa League final 2025 from South Korea

The Europa League final is being broadcast in the UK by TNT Sports but Tottenham Hotspur supporters in South Korea can watch Son Heung-min in and co. in action on SPO TV.

The final kicks off at 9 pm in Spain, which is 3 am on Thursday, May 22 in South Korea. If the match finishes in 90 minutes, it will end shortly before 5 am.

A winner must be decided to night so, if the scores are level after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes of extra time. If needed, a penalty shootout will follow, which could make it 6 am by the time a team lifts the trophy.

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