The Independent has reported that Heung-min Son has apologised to his teammates in advance for a scheduled absence from Tottenham duties to his involvement in the Asian Games. The paper goes on to state that Son will be available for Tottenham’s first game of the 2018/19 campaign away to Newcastle at St James’ Park, before joining up with South Korea in Indonesia. Son may miss PL games against Fulham, Manchester United and Watford.
Before Spurs’ 1-0 win against AC Milan in Minneapolis, Son said: “I feel sorry because Tottenham is my team and I feel very sorry for my team-mates and coaching staff, but I am playing for my country and that is also important … honestly I feel very sorry about that. We are going there to win something and winning trophies for my country is always good. I am going there to win something, to win games. I don’t travel there for nothing.”
Victory in the Asian Games could offer Son a reprieve from duty doing 21 months of military service, which is mandatory for all able-bodied South Korean males before the age of 28. Asked if this was a factor in his decision to commit to the Games, he said: “We can talk about this afterwards”.
South Korea’s failed to reach the knockout stages of this year’s World Cup finals in Russia. Son said “I was disappointed a little bit but we finished well against Germany. Our country was happy because they were No.1 in the FIFA rankings and the defending World Cup champions. For me, it’s always a bit disappointing because I expect more than the group stage. I wanted to stay longer than we did. But it was a good experience to play at the World Cup and I look forward to playing in another in four years.”
The Asian Games is a continental multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia. The 2018 Games will be held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia from 18 August to 2 September 2018.
Son, 26, is a fan favourite. Last season he scored 12 goals in the PL and provided 6 assists. He can is quick-footed and can mesmerise defences.
How will Son’s absence affect PL results? Please let us have your comments.
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