The South Korea international initially struggled to settle in England and considered a return to Germany in the summer transfer window of 2016
Heung-min Son has revealed that he considered quitting Tottenham after his debut season in England, but is delighted to have stayed put and proven himself as a Premier League star.
Back in the summer of 2016, the South Korea international found himself weighing up his options.
His first campaign with Spurs had delivered just eight goals and, after representing his country at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Son felt a return to Germany may be best – having previously thrived at Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen.
Mauricio Pochettino was able to talk him away from the exits in north London and has seen the 26-year-old forward go on to find the target a further 55 times while becoming an integral part of the Spurs setup.
Son told the Evening Standard of his previous transfer thoughts after being named Premier League Player of the Year at the London Football Awards: “I came close to leaving.
“I went to the gaffer’s office and told him I didn’t feel comfortable and wanted to leave for Germany.”
He added on Pochettino’s show of faith: “The gaffer trusted me and I am so grateful.
“He made my dream come true. I am more than grateful [to him] — it is difficult to say. I have worked four years with the gaffer. It is just amazing.”
Son has caught the eye again for Tottenham this season, registering 16 goals across all competitions and six assists in his Premier League and Champions League outings.
His contribution had Spurs in the hunt for the Premier League title at one stage, but back-to-back defeats against Burnley and Chelsea have dropped them nine points off the pace.
A north London derby date with Arsenal on Saturday will present Pochettino’s side with an opportunity to get back on track and Son is looking forward to another outing on the grandest of stages.
He added: “The last two games weren’t what we expect but it has passed.
“Arsenal is important because, after two losses, we need to show our character.
“For our fans as well, we have to make them happy and show how good we are. We don’t have to worry about it, we just have to enjoy [playing] on the pitch and show what we can.
“I think I am the happiest guy in the world, especially in the Premier League. It is an honour to play in the Premier League.”
Jonblty
1
He plays ever week
wucbimz
0
son has been impressive. Deserves to play every week and expect he will if Harry moves as expected.
[image]
he plays every week even now
Edoo87
1
strange
hukcal
2
son has been impressive. Deserves to play every week and expect he will if Harry moves as expected.
wulover
0
Good man Sonny. F the begrudgers. COYS
Lovemessi
0
Gone missing past two games
Nichola
0
Well done, Sonny. Now, 🎩 trick on Sunday please, darling x
Stockholm
0
Stick him up top against the Arsenal
blueSkyu
0
So son deserves it for beeing Good in the end of the season?
Manhattane
0
Son 1500min 11/5 Hazard 2000min 12/10 Son south Korea - Hazard belgium. Hazard was Probably pl best player August-october, argubly the best player of the world cup. Son in One of my Tottenham favorites (with eriksen) But Hazard got robbed
levis8
0
Has been scoring since October and every time there was a “title race” talk surrounding us was because Son was firing. Has had a hand in 24 of our goals this season in all competitions. Him and Alderweireld have been our best players, though Winks and Kane deserve a shout, too.
EPSON
0
Over the whole year I don't think he's even been in Spur's top 2 tbh. He's in form over the last couple of months sure, but over the whole year?...not for me
herrlishr
0
I can't say that I expected this but I couldn't be happier for Son. Prior to the beginning of the season I wished that this would be his year and he has delivered! Keep on bringing those smiles and goals!
Dinnaloe
0
He’s probably my fave non-Manchester United player in the Premier League.