WATCH: Tottenham captain Son Heung-min says BITTER-SWEET ‘goodbye’ to fans for Asian Cup duty

Son has left for Qatar to represent his country in the Asian Cup.

WATCH: Tottenham captain Son Heung-min says BITTER-SWEET ‘goodbye’ to fans for Asian Cup duty

Son Heung-min says goodbye to Spurs fans as he joins South Korea National Team for Asian Cup. (Image via GOAL)

Tottenham Hotspur finished their year on a high after they beat AFC Bournemouth 3-1 at home. Pape Sarr, Son Heung-min, and Richarlison scored for Spurs, while Alex Scott scored the consolation goal for the Cherries.

Now, Tottenham stand in 5th in the Premier League standings, just one point behind Arsenal at 4th. As they start to pick up some form, the team has to now play without their captain and best player. Son Heung-min will leave for Qatar as South Korea now participates in the AFC Asian Cup. 

YouTube video

Following the win against Bournemouth, the Spurs captain expressed how bad he felt for leaving in between such an important part of the season, but he had to as it was important for his country. He added that he will support the team like a fan and will be cheering. 

FS Video
There’s one part that's a bit sad to leave the club in such an important part, but also one part i feel like is also the most important part of your career, your nationality. I hope everybody comes back as soon as possible, the injured players, to give us a little bit more boost. But I'm going to support like a big supporter, as a Spurs fan. So yeah, will be watching and will be cheering. 
Son Heung-min to Sky Sports

Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time Son has left the Premier League in between. In 2015 and 2019 he had to leave the Premier League season midway to participate in the AFC Asian Cup.

Furthermore, the closest he ever came to winning it was in 2015, when the South Korea National Team finished as runner-ups. As for Son, he also won Gold for South Korea in the 2018 Asian Games. 

How long will Son Hueng-min be out for? 

The 2023 AFC Asian Games will start on the 12th of January, with South Korea playing their first match on the 15th. Subsequently, the finals have been scheduled for 10th February in the Lusail Stadium. If South Korea do manage to make it to the finals, Son will return for Tottenham Hotspur’s fixture against Wolves scheduled for the 17th of February.

Spurs' skipper Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min has 17 goal involvements in 20 matches. (Image via Sky Sports)

He’ll miss at least two games: Spurs’ FA Cup against Burnley and the match at Old Trafford against Manchester United. If Son and South Korea make it to the final, he’ll miss five games, including four Premier League matches.

In addition to Son, Spurs will also lose Sarr and Yves Bissouma for the Africa Cup of Nations. Over 30 Premier League players, including Mohamed Salah and Mohammed Kudus, will leave for the Asian Cup and AFCON.

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