Spurs star Son Heung-min was Manchester United fan because of Park Ji-sung – ‘not now’
- South Korean forward says Park Ji-sung was reason he supported Old Trafford side in English Premier League as a youth
- Describes his good friend as a ‘national hero’ for pioneering path to EPL for his countrymen
Tottenham Hotspur star forward Son Heung-min has said that he was a fan of Manchester United when he was growing up because of fellow South Korean Park Ji-sung.
In an interview with British rapper Chunkz for the Pro Direct Soccer football store’s “Pavement to Pitch” video series, Son told the Londoner that it was Man United not Spurs that he followed in his youth.
“[I supported] Manchester United because obviously, Ji-sung was playing,” Son said in the video released on YouTube on Friday.
“He’s a national hero. In Korea also they would say he has two hearts. He’s a national hero for me. He’s a good friend of mine.
Park was known also as “Three lungs” as a player for his work rate, with Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson a huge admirer of his midfielder.
“He offered to the players from South Korea [the way to play],” the 28-year-old Son said. “He gave us hope and the opportunity. It’s not easy, you know, he was the first one that played in the Premier League.