Doha: Tottenham Hotspur and South Korea striker Son Heung-min has disclosed he “can’t wait to represent our beautiful country” at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – easing fears of over 51 million South Koreans.
In an emotional Instagram post, the South Korean captain confirmed that he would go to the World Cup despite recently undergoing eye surgery.
“Hi everyone. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you all for the messages of support I have received over the last week,” Son said.
“I have read so many of them and truly, truly appreciate you all. In a tough time I received a lot of strength from you! Playing for your country at the World Cup is the dream of so many children growing up, just as it was one of mine too. I won’t miss this for the world. I can’t wait to represent our beautiful country; see you soon. Sonny.”
Son was forced to withdraw in the first half of Tottenham’s 1-2 UEFA Champions League win over Olympique Marseille earlier this month later discovered to be a fractured eye. He’s since undergone surgery but remained a doubt for the World Cup.
Son’s apparent fitness will be a welcome boost for South Korea coach Paolo Bento. The Taegeuk Warriors will face Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal in Group H at the World Cup. They will aim to reach only their third knockout at this stage after a Cinderella run to the semifinals in 2002 and the round of 16 in 2010.
The 30-year-old, who has played 104 games for the Taegeuk Warriors, scoring 35 goals, is now poised to make his third straight appearance at the World Cup. He has won seven of the last eight Best Footballer in Asia Awards, missing out in 2016, and three AFC Asian International Player of the Year.
