Racism in Germany. Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min, speaks on facing racism in Germany as a teenage footballer, and getting “revenge” when South Korea eliminated Germany from the 2018 World Cup.
While speaking to fans at an event in Seoul on Monday, Son opened up for the first time about his experience with racism.
He said his most memorable moment had been South Korea’s stunning 2-0 victory over Germany four years ago, because of the racism he endured as a teenager after joining Hamburg in 2010.
“I moved to Germany when I was young, and went through so many really difficult, unimaginable moments,” said Son, who left Hamburg in 2013 for Bayer Leverkusen.
“I faced a lot of racism. And while going through such a really difficult time, I had a lot of thoughts on my mind I should get my revenge one day.”
Then defending World Cup champions Germany, suffered a shock defeat to South Korea that left German fans in tears at the Kazan Arena. Son, who delivered the final goal in injury time to seal the Germans fate, said he had little sympathy.
“When people cry, I’d (usually) want to comfort them and give them a hug,” he said. “But watching German people cry, (I felt) I was able to take revenge by doing something I like,” he added
The 29-year-old became the first Asian footballer to win the Golden Boot for being the top scorer in the English Premier League scoring 23 goals. In June 2022, the South Korea football icon was awarded the country’s highest honour for his achievements.
Son has also faced racism during his Premier League career, since making move to Spurs from Leverkusen in 2015.
Last year, eight men linked to racists tweets at son were arrested at addresses across England and Wales.
READ ALSO: ‘Kick Racism off the Football Pitch’ tournament set up to fight racism in Germany