Tottenham: Son out to change course of Spurs history with victory in Europa League final | OneFootball

The South Korea international is chasing his first title since moving to North London in 2015

Heung-min Son believes winning the Europa League would change the "history and mentality" of Tottenham and pave the way for more trophies in the future.

Spurs are aiming to win a first European trophy since 1984 and first piece of silverware in 17 years when they face Manchester United in the Europa League Final here in Bilbao on Wednesday.

"It's going to be a huge moment for us and the boys," Son said. "The first step is the hardest so if we can win that trophy we can change the [club's] mentality and history and continue to compete for other trophies.

"It will be a very special, historic moment. I stayed here ten years and I just want to win the trophy which nobody's done since I've been here. Tomorrow's going to be massive for the club first of all and for the boys. And obviously for me as well."

Son and Ben Davies are the only two survivors from the Spurs squad which lost the 2019 Champions League Final 2-0 to Liverpool in Madrid, which was followed by a series of difficult years for the club.

Just 25 seconds into the game, Sadio Mane's cross struck Moussa Sissoko's arm and Liverpool were awarded a penalty, which was converted by Mohamed Salah following a VAR review.

Son was among the Spurs players to draw a save from Reds goalkeeper Alisson in a flat game before substitute Divock Origi wrapped up their victory.

Son has still not forgotten the early controversy but says he has grown as a player and person since then.

“I still don’t think it was handball! We can’t change it," he said. “Six years ago, I played my first final at professional level and it was very nervous moments and very exciting moments.

“But I was very nervous and couldn’t believe I was in the Champions League final.

“Six years after, obviously, I’m a grown man and experienced and want to prepare in my way, calm.

“There have been changes, so many years, so many different players, and also my role has changed from just a player to the captain of the club, leader of the boys and I just want to help the boys to lift it together. That is my dream.

“Tomorrow I hope we can make a historic day I can never forget."

Son has one year remaining on his Spurs contract and has said he cannot be considered a club legend without winning a trophy.

He conceded that Wednesday could be his last chance to do so in a Spurs shirt but pointed out that the club could be back in the Champions League next season if they win.

"The future we never know," he said. "We might play next year in the Champions League. Or in the final. You never know."

But the chance I have is real, it’s a fact, the Europa League final. I'm just not thinking of anything else.

"It could be my last chance or there could be another chance. Just want to concentrate on the winning and lifting the trophy with the boys.”

Son played 74 minutes of Spurs' 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Friday night on his first start in five weeks due to a foot injury.

"I'm ready," he said. "Obviously I'm back from injury, it was my first game against Crystal Palace [from the bench] and I played around 70 minutes against Villa. I didn't expect to play that long but I managed to play.

"Physically I'm ready to go and the boys are ready to go for the biggest game of the season."