Son Heung-min departure will come at the expense of helping Tottenham maintain their title challenge in the Premier League
Son Heung-min admits he is said to be leaving Tottenham’s trophy chase to play at the Asian Cup. South Korea forward has been in tremendous form and scored his eighth goal in nine games as Spurs reclaimed the second spot in the Premier League with a 3-0 New Year’s Day win at Cardiff.
But Son will head for international duty after Tottenham’s league game against Manchester United on January 13, and could miss up to five matches because of the tournament in the United Arab Emirates. “Of course I feel very sorry because I miss already in September,” said Son, referring to his involvement for South Korea at the Asian Games earlier this season.
“I feel sorry for my team-mates, the fans, and the coaching staff. It’s difficult. Sometimes you think it’s a bit sad, but it is also important for my country. “I hope I can keep my form for the national team and when I come back here again as well.” Should tournament favorites South Korea reach the Asian Cup final in Abu Dhabi on February 1, Son could potentially miss five league and cup games for Spurs.
“I was tired after the Asian Games because in that tournament it was playing after (every) two or three days,” Son said. “It is very important to be right mentally at the Asian Cup and to come back with a strong mind and be strong physically.
“It (November) was a turning point for me because I was tired and I didn’t travel. “It was good to have this time, some days off, and hard sessions with the team. But the Asian Cup is big for us because we have not won it for 59 years.”
“I’m going there not just to enjoy it, I am going there to win something and come back with confidence.”
