Son Heung-min has apologised to Tottenham Hotspur supporters for his imminent Asian Cup departure but feels it’s something he cannot avoid.
The 26-year-old South Korean forward is enjoying a prolific run of form with the north London club but heads off on international duty later this month.
Why will Son be missing for Spurs? Five key things to know…
Son joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £22m in 2015.
The South Korean is enjoying his best season to date, scoring eight times across 16 matches so far.
This comes despite Son missing three games at the start of the season due to the Asian Games, with South Korea winning the football gold medal.
Son is set to miss more games in January to the Asian Cup, and the South Korean has apologised to Spurs fans for his upcoming absent.
Only the club’s leading marksman Harry Kane (14) has been more prolific than Son.
It will not be the first time this season Son has missed games for Spurs due to representing his nation; the native of Chuncheon took part in last summer’s Asian Games football tournament in which he led them to gold.
Since returning he’s quickly made up for lost time. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has so far played him on no fewer than 25 occasions and he’s repaid that faith with 11 goals and seven assists.
His recent performances in the Premier League has been nothing short of outstanding; Son, across his last nine league outings, has bagged eight goals and created a further five for his teammates.
Such is the goodwill between South Korea and his club Son will be allowed to join his teammates late, after Spurs face Manchester United on January 13, but there’s an element of regret even though he’s determined to go.