Forward Son Heung-Min says he is playing with no pain for the first time in a year having had groin surgery in the summer.
The Tottenham and South Korea forward played 77 minutes in Spurs’ 5-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in their penultimate game before the start of the Premier League season.
“I feel really good. Pain-wise I can’t remember when I felt that free,” Son said.
“I really enjoyed the Shakhtar game. I feel good and there is still time to get it 100 per cent with more time on my legs. I can’t wait to get started,” Son said.
He agreed when asked if he thought the surgery had solved the injury.
NOT PHASED BY CRITICISM
Having won the Premier League Golden Boot the season before last with 23 goals, Son only found the back ten times as Tottenham failed to qualify for European football.
The forward struggled for form at the start of last season, but says he wasn’t hurt by the criticism.
“The criticism doesn’t bother me at all, because I’m being myself, I’m always being honest if I’m not playing well. I know I can do much better things.
“Last year there was many different reasons I couldn’t perform. This season I’m looking forward to being really sharp and to be explosive and do what I used to do before.
“Pain-free is the most important to perform,” he said.
ATTACKING STYLE GETS SON’S APPROVAL
Son added that Spurs fans can expect to see him back to his best and praised Tottenham’s new attacking style under new manager Ange Postecoglu.
“I always like to play in their half of the pitch and then create chances. As an attacking player you take a big responsibility because when you don’t have the ball you have to work harder than what you’re used to.
“It’s a good way to start and get the goals and to win the game is always a nice feeling.”
READ MORE: Five big talking points from Tottenham v Shakhtar Donetsk
