Tottenham star Son Heung-min has arrived in Indonesia ahead of the Asia Games as he aims to win gold and avoid military service, according to ESPN.
Son will be exempt from 21-months military service if he and his South Korea national teammates are able to pick up the gold medal at the Asia Games.
Son, 26, said, “Of course our target is gold but it is a long way to get to the final.
“How we approach the game mentally is important. I have thought about the Asian Games a lot.”
Son’s success at the Asia Games is of the up most importance to Tottenham because over the summer he signed a new three-year contract which would mean nothing if he has to complete his military service. Not only that but Spurs would have to replace him which would make it difficult for the South Korean to slot back in upon his return 21-months later.
OPINION
Son Heung-min is one of the most criminally underrated players in the Premier League. In 53 appearances last season for Tottenham he scored an impressive 18 times and made 11 assists. Whenever he plays he is always one of the best on the pitch and consistently provides a threat going forward for Spurs. Should the South Korean not win gold at the Asia Games then he would be a great miss for Tottenham during his 21-month absence. Spurs would have to bring in a replacement as soon as possible but it will be difficult to find someone with all of the attributes Son offers, strength, pace, finishing and an ability to play out wide and through the middle. Whoever they do bring it will likely cost chairman Daniel Levy a large sum of money and will want that investment to play, so when Son returned would he have a place at the club still and would he be the same player he was.