'It's fun for me' - Son brushes off fatigue concerns after Tottenham return

Lee Sungmo

'It's fun for me' - Son brushes off fatigue concerns after Tottenham return image

Son Heung-Min maintains that he is not tired, despite his Asian Games exertions, and is hopeful of helping Tottenham turn their form around.

The South Korea international returned to the fold as a second-half substitute during Spurs' 2-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday, having won gold with his country in Indonesia.

Son also featured in two international friendlies following the tournament, having also played at the World Cup in Russia in the summer, but he insists that he remains fresh as Spurs prepare to play six games in the next 19 days.

"Fatigue? No, it's fun for me," he said, when asked about his match fitness. "I'm enjoying this moment. I'm happy to have the chance I'm now having." 

South Korea's victory in the Asian Games means that Son will not be required to go through military service , and Spurs presented him with a special trophy before the Liverpool game, leading to a rapturous reception from the Wembley crowd.

"I really appreciate it," he added.

"I feel sorry for the fans and manager for my absence, I never expected that they would greet me so warmly. I feel responsibility for Spurs, and what I need to do to is develop even more than now."

Spurs underwhelmed against Liverpool, playing poorly for the majority of the game, but they may feel aggrieved to not have taken a point from the match, with Erik Lamela scoring in stoppage time, and Son then having a penalty shout turned down.

Sadio Mane appeared to take Son's legs from under him as he prepared to shoot, but the winger has chosen to remain pragmatic about the decision.

"I think it was a penalty. I felt it was a foul when I was playing the game," he said.

"But, the referee is also a man so he can make mistake. I need to move on." 

Lee Sungmo