Son Heung-min Acknowledges Potential Last Chance For Major Trophy With Tottenham Hotspur

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Son Heung-min is aware that the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday might be his last opportunity to secure a major trophy with Tottenham. Both teams are struggling in the Premier League, occupying 17th and 16th positions, but they will compete in Bilbao for European glory and a spot in the 2025-26 Champions League. For Spurs, ending their long trophy drought is the primary goal.

Tottenham's last significant victory was over Chelsea in the 2008 EFL Cup final under Juande Ramos, which was 17 years and 86 days before this upcoming final. Son has been part of this challenging period since joining the club in 2015. The South Korean star has experienced disappointment in two finals with Tottenham: the Champions League in 2019 and the EFL Cup in 2021. He also finished as a Premier League runner-up in the 2016-17 season.

Now at 32, with just over a year left on his contract, Son realises this could be his last chance. "In the future we never know. We might play next year's Champions League... we might play in the final," he mentioned during Tuesday's pre-match press conference. "We never know, but the chance I have now is real, it's a fact." He emphasised focusing on winning and celebrating with his teammates.

Tottenham's most recent European success came nearly 41 years ago when they defeated Anderlecht on penalties in the 1984 UEFA Cup final. Reflecting on what it would mean to lead Spurs to victory, Son said: "It would be very special and would be a historic moment. I have been here 10 years and I just want to win the trophy, which nobody has done in the 10 years I have been here."

Son returned from injury for Spurs' last two Premier League matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, both resulting in losses. However, he assured fans of his fitness: "I'm ready," he stated confidently. Despite not expecting to play extensively against Aston Villa after returning from injury, he managed well and feels prepared for what he considers the biggest game of the season.

This season, Son has played more minutes than last year but fewer than any other campaign since 2016-17. He has scored only 11 goals this season, marking his lowest tally since his debut season with Spurs when he netted eight times. However, his assist count of 11 is impressive, only surpassed by his performance in the 2020-21 season when he provided 17 assists.

The upcoming match holds immense significance for Son and Tottenham as they aim to end their long wait for silverware while securing a place in Europe's top competition once again.