Tottenham captain Son has his say on Spurs team-mate's 'racial slur' amid FA investigation
Son Heung-min says he has no problem with Rodrigo Bentancur after the midfielder made an offensive remark about Korean people during a television interview in June
by Alan Smith · The MirrorSon Heung-min insists he bears no grudge towards team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur for a racial slur that is being investigated by the FA, with the Tottenham skipper claiming: “I love Rodrigo, I love him.”
Midfielder Bentancur could face a suspension of up to 12 games after being charged with misconduct for saying that all Korean people look the same during a Uruguayan TV interview in June. But Son says there is no problem between them because Bentancur made a personal, heartfelt apology immediately and said sorry again when the squad convened for pre-season training.
“Because of the FA investigation I can't say too much,” Son said. “But I love Rodrigo, I love him. We've a lot of good memories. He knew he apologised straight afterwards. I didn't even realise what was going on. He sent me a long message and you could feel it was from the heart.
“When we came back for pre-season he felt really sorry and almost cried. He apologised publicly and personally as well. He felt really sorry. He made a mistake and we learn from it. I've no problem at all with him. We move on as a team-mate and friend and as a brother.
“We move on together. We just have to wait what the FA say in their process. What I can say is I love Rodrigo, there's nothing more to say.”
Son will lead Spurs into their opening Europa League game against Qarabag on Thursday evening admitting it would be a “dream” to finally win a trophy after almost a decade at the club. But with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Son said he is yet to hold any talks about an extension.
He added: “We haven’t talked [about] anything yet. It was very clear for me, I’m very focused for this season. At this age, every second is like a goal.
“Especially this season, we are in a lot of competitions, it feels like I’m taking even more care about this. I’m just fully focused on this situation and this year. I just want to win something that everybody in this club and these players and all around deserves. That’s what I’m working for.
“In the future, you never know what’s going to happen. But I will make sure I give everything for this club. It’s almost ten years that I give everything.
“We’ll see what happens. I still have a contract with the club which is the main important thing. I just want to give everything while I have my contract. “
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