Son Heung-min: ‘I want I may play tennis, however I can’t’
As a ahead for Premier League membership Tottenham Hotspur FC, in addition to the captain of the South Korea nationwide group, Son Heung-min is likely one of the greatest and most celebrated Asian soccer gamers within the historical past of the gorgeous recreation.
He was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2019 – the very best rank thus far by an Asian participant – and has represented his nation at two World Cups (2014 and 2018). What’s extra, he’s the highest goalscorer of Asian descent in each Premier League and Champions League historical past. No large deal.
Away from the day job, the footy ace additionally has a eager curiosity in tennis, which has resulted in him touchdown a sought-after spot in Ralph Lauren’s Wimbledon 2021 marketing campaign, which was photographed down at SW19 and sees Heung-min take centre stage with England rugby star Maro Itoje and surfer Lucy Campbell.
Right here, Heung-min, who, as anticipated, has a jam-packed schedule, took a while away from the pitch to speak to British GQ about his newest enterprise, his private model and his dream soccer group.
GQ: You’re clearly most celebrated to your footballing prowess. How did your relationship with tennis come about?
Son Heung-min: I watched tennis as a toddler rising up and have all the time been a fan of the game. I truly used to practise keep-ups with a tennis ball once I was youthful. I want I may play, however I can’t. I’m not good at it.
How did you come to be a part of the Ralph Lauren marketing campaign? What’s your connection to the model?
I’ve all the time been a fan of Ralph Lauren and Wimbledon. It’s an enormous occasion. To be a part of this marketing campaign is absolutely particular.
How essential is dressing properly to you?
I feel it’s actually essential to look good and gown properly. My favorite factor to put on is a winter coat – I like to remain heat (when it’s chilly). Shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops is my uniform in the summertime.
What’s essentially the most embarrassing outfit you’ve ever worn?
A few years in the past we had a Christmas social gathering and I wore an Iron Man costume because it was fancy gown. It was exhausting to have dinner or social gathering, because the costume was product of plastic.
Are you extra of a go well with or a tracksuit man?
It relies upon the place I’m going. I feel I’m extra of a tracksuit man. Due to sports activities I need to be comfy. I do wish to put on a go well with once I need to look good.
Are you as celebrated to your footballing achievements in South Korea as you might be within the UK?
It’s the identical in South Korea as it’s within the UK. Individuals love soccer and so they love sport.
The place are your favorite locations to eat and drink in London?
As everybody says, Mum’s meals is all the time the very best. For me, it’s all the time house, as a result of my mum is with me. It’s higher than wherever else.
For those who needed to play soccer for one group at any level in historical past, what group would it not be?
To be sincere, I simply need to concentrate on the best now. I need to be targeted at Tottenham, as a result of I’ve loads of issues to realize – large goals and large objectives. Proper now, Tottenham is my dream group and I simply need to concentrate on that.
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