Tottenham’s Hot-star and Premier League’s joint golden boot winner Son Heung-Min may have been overlooked by England’s PFA Award shortlists this week, but he’s receiving due respect back in his home country of South Korea. During his presentation of the golden boot awards to the people of Korea and the press, he was able to pull a large audience than when Man City paraded their fifth Barclay EPL title under Pep Guardiol.
Son received the Chongyeon medal, highest sports merit award in South Korea, for his achievements in football. He was given the award by South Korea president Yoon Suk-yeol, despite usually being bestowed by the Minister of Culture, in an on-pitch ceremony before Korea’s home game friendly against Brazil at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
In a written statement presented to Son ahead of the ceremony, President Yoon commended him for becoming the first Asian footballer to win the Premier League Golden Boot, among other achievements.
I believe this award is the result of your passion after having devoted yourself and worked endlessly for your team all season. (The title) is not only a personal honor for you but a joyous occasion to be celebrated by the entire Asian football community.
The friendly between South Korean and Brazil ended in a 5-1 thrashing of the home team.
Richarlison gave Brazil a seventh minute lead. However, Hwang Ui-Jo gave the home side a 31st minute equaliser, before two penalties from Neymar on 42 and 57 minutes put Brazil in a commanding 3-1 lead. Coutinho came on as a sub on 78th minutes and took only two minutes to make it 4-1. Man City’s Gabriel Jesus made it 5-1 in the third minute of added time.
Son’s form for Tottenham in the Premier League has seen him win the golden boot, joint with Mo Salah, albeit not taking a single penalty. Earlier this week news from Liverpool quoted a “massive offer” is being prepared to lure Son Heung Min to Anfield as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane whose restless situation is a concern for Klopp and the club. It is highly unlikely that this transfer Is going to happen, but the concept of Diaz-Son-Salah is mouth-watering to Liverpool fans and football lovers alike.
