Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-Min embraced the Spurs legend tag, if only for a day, after lifting the club’s first trophy in 17 years following Wednesday’s Europa League final victory.
Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao, thanks to Brennan Johnson’s goal in the first half. This victory marked the first title for the North London club since they won the English League Cup in 2008, and their first European triumph since they won their second UEFA Cup —the equivalent of the current Europa League— in 1984.
This was also the first trophy that Son, who joined Tottenham 10 years ago, has won in his career at the club.
After saying at the start of this season that he wanted to be remembered as a Spurs legend, but that he didn’t yet feel entitled to that honor, Son was asked after the victory if he now considered himself worthy.
Let’s just say I’m a legend. Why not? Just today!
Son Heung-Min
Son, who came off the bench in the 67th minute of the final, told TNT Sports.
“Seventeen years nobody has done it, so with such incredible players, yes, today is the day. I will probably say today that I am a legend of this club.”
“I feel incredible. This is what I’ve always dreamed of and today is the day it happened. The dream came true. I am very, very happy. I am the happiest man in the world.”
The title guarantees Spurs a place in next season’s Champions League, and helps rescue a bleak season that sees the club languishing in 17th place in the Premier League before the final matchday.
The victory in the second-tier European competition comes six years after Tottenham fell short against Liverpool in the Champions League final.
“When you look at the whole season, there will always be some situation where you have a difficult moment, but we, as players, always stuck together with injuries, with young players, they always step up,” Son added.
“I felt the pressure. I wanted it so much. For the last seven days I dreamed of this match every day. It finally happened and now I can sleep peacefully and I can enjoy it.”
“Today is the day we can celebrate, so let’s make it unforgettable and maybe I’ll miss my flight tomorrow!”
