South Korean forward Son Heung-min has admitted that “it’s not easy” to leave his Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur, mid-season for national team duty. The gangling forward has been called up to the South Korea squad for the Asian Cup which has already kicked off.

The tournament actually started earlier this month, with South Korea beating the Philippines in their opening game, but Son was permitted to join up with the squad later after missing the start of Tottenham’s season due to his participation in the Asian Games. And with seven goals and five assists in his last seven games, Son will be “very sad and sorry” to leave Tottenham as the campaign reaches a crucial stage.

“It’s not easy for me to leave the team at this important time,” Son told Sky Sports. He then promised to try winning the game against United as a parting gift for the Spurs fans. “I feel very sad and sorry but I want to win this game and go with confidence to Dubai. To play for your country is always a proud moment, but it’s tough for me having missed one month of the season already. I want to go with three points, with confidence to Dubai.”