Humble Son Heung-Min plays down his popularity on Tottenham’s Asia tour as boss Mauricio Pochettino compares him to David Beckham
- Mauricio Pochettino thinks Son Heung-Min is ‘as popular as David Beckham’
- The South Korea international has been getting lots of attention on tour
- As modest as ever, Son insists the popularity is around the team and not just him
- After getting to the Champions League final, Son admits a trophy must be won
Mauricio Pochettino thinks he is ‘as popular as David Beckham’ but Son Heung-min does not believe he is the star of Tottenham’s Asia tour.
The South Korea forward has been mobbed in Singapore and Shanghai, prompting his manager to compare him to the former Manchester United and England man.
‘Of course he’s an icon,’ said Pochettino. ‘I compare him before to David Beckham in popularity.’ The modest-as-ever player, however, was having none of it.
Humble Son Heung-min does not believe he is the star of Tottenham’s Asia tour
Mauricio Pochettino thinks his star forward is ‘as popular as David Beckham’ in Asia
‘It’s not just me, it’s everyone,’ he said ahead of Spurs’ clash with United on Thursday. ‘It’s special being here with the team. I don’t care about being the main [attraction] or not.
I’m just happy to be here with the team and having a good training session is the most important thing for me.’ One reporter told Son that he was ‘the universe’ to fans in Asia.
Beckham has icon status in Asia after his long and decorated career in football
Again, he brushed off the accolade. ‘That’s a bit too much,’ he said. ‘I’m happy to be here but I’m still learning, looking to be better day by day. Of course I enjoy it but not too much pressure. I should enjoy this moment.
‘I should be proud to work harder than before because the people are always watching me and expect more. I’m looking forward to being better with our team and with our staff. I’m always looking forwards.’
Tottenham lost the Champions League final last season and finished fourth in the Premier League, despite spending much less than many of their rivals.
But Son, 27, demanded improvement. ‘We need a trophy but it’s always been tough,’ he said. ‘Of course we’re playing to win something but we can’t promise. We’re working hard. I’m so proud of this team but until now we don’t have anything.
Son had a sublime season with Spurs and was a huge reason for their Champions League run
‘It’s tough. We’re looking to success. Of course we were close to the Champions League. We want to do better this season.’
The press conference ended on a lighter note when a local journalist asked the player if he ever brought his team-mates souvenirs from his visits to South Korea.
‘I think no!’ he said. ‘The other players don’t bring anything to me, so this is fair enough.’