Son Heung-Min PIC: Twitter/ @theKFA
Doha: Son Heung-min says he is willing to risk his health to bring joy to Korea Republic’s fans at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after being pictured training in a protective mask.
Son’s participation in Qatar was in doubt when he suffered a fracture around his left eye in Tottenham’s UEFA Champions League win at Marseille earlier this month, causing him to miss Spurs’ last three pre-World Cup fixtures.
However, Son was named in Paulo Bento’s 26-man World Cup squad and subsequently declared he would not miss the tournament “for the world”.
On Wednesday, Son participated in Korea Republic’s training session in Doha while donning a protective mask, and the forward is prepared to take risks in order to feature.
South Korea’s defender Yoon Jong-gyu (secod right) and defender Hong Chul (right) take part in a training session at Al Egla Training Site 5 in Doha yesterday. AFP
“I am not a doctor, it’s difficult for me to say when I can play. I will do the best I can under the circumstances,” Son said. “From the fans’ perspective, I may be pushing this too far, but football players always compete under such risks.
“I just want to give our fans joy and hope. I am more than willing to bear those risks. Everyone who comes to the World Cup wants to play well, but it takes more than that.
“Speaking realistically, it’s more important to be prepared for matches than to just have the desire to play well.
“I can’t predict the future, but I want to make this a special World Cup, using every last ounce of energy that I have.”
