Heung-Min Son: “From what I can see in training, fans can be really excited”
Mon 17 July 2023, 11:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
Heung-Min Son likened it to a family reunion, that instantly recognisable smile beaming ear to ear as he spoke to us about meeting up with his team-mates in Perth for pre-season training, while, at the same time, his determination almost tangible as he spoke about making a ‘fresh start’ for next season.
Much has been made of Sonny’s 2022/23 where, after taking his game to even further heights in in 2021/22, including becoming the first Asian to win the Premier League’s Golden Boot, he struggled to find the same levels of consistency. He still put together his own ‘Goal of the Season’ montage with some spectacular strikes, and contributed 14 goals in all, but he was plagued a nagging injury throughout.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY before our pre-season opener against West Ham at the Optus Stadium on Tuesday (6pm local, 11am UK), you sensed Sonny, in his words, ready to ‘make a fresh start’.
“I joined (the squad) in Australia and the lads look happy, fresh and sharp,” Sonny told us after Monday morning’s session at the WACA. “It’s always good to see the players and the staff. It’s my first time in Perth, fantastic sunshine, people welcoming us, I’m glad to be here. It feels like the whole family joining together again. It’s a very exciting time, we have to work hard together and take this club back to where we belong.
“I have a good memory with the gaffer - okay, for him it’s a good memory, not for me, in 2015 he won the Asian Cup (with Australia), I lost the final - but I could see at that time they were playing amazing so, playing under him, it’s going to be exciting times.
“I’m going to give everything I have for him, for the club, for my team-mates, also for the fans. I’m really looking forward, really excited and from what I can see in training, I think people can be really excited.”
Watch - Sonny's interview in Perth
Reflecting on some tough times last term, Sonny added: “It was a really disappointing season for me, physically, I wasn’t able to play 100 per cent. I didn’t want to let people down, I wanted to keep going. I’m glad that the problem is solved, I’m really looking forward going into this season, making a fresh start and making everyone proud. The lads look really happy, really fresh. I feel good, enjoying football, very happy.”
As for the match against the Hammers, Sonny said: “Playing a game wearing this badge is always a big honour. Going into the new season, the first game is always important. It will be an exciting game, the fitness is important, also the result. The lads are going to enjoy their football and I’m looking forward to playing in an amazing stadium and in an amazing city in front of our fans.”
