Son Heung-min (Tottenham), the captain of Jürgen Klinsmann’s national soccer team, has vowed to make the Asian Cup “special for my country and myself”.
The AFC featured an interview with Son on the main page of its website on Sunday (June 17), sharing his thoughts and determination for the tournament.
“The Asian Cup in Qatar in 2011 was my first international tournament. Time has passed and I’m back in Qatar for the fourth Asian Cup,” he said, revealing his special memories of the tournament.
“The Korean national team has had some great times, but we haven’t won a title in 64 years,” he said, adding, “I will try to make this tournament a special one for my country and myself.” He showed a strong will to win.
South Korea is arguably the best team in Asia, but hasn’t won an Asian Cup title in 64 years, since winning the tournament twice in 1960.
But with a star-studded lineup that includes Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), the time is right to end the long wait.
“It’s going to be a very long road to the championship,” said Son, adding, “I want to play every game with a special heart and make sure I reach the championship.”
Meanwhile, South Korea, who got off to a good start with a 3-1 win in their first match against Bahrain, will play Jordan on the 20th and Bahrain on the 25th.
They will have to play seven games, including three group stage matches, to win the title. The much-anticipated final will be held on Feb. 11.