SON THE MEND
Son texted Andre Gomes heartfelt apology after breaking his ankle – but didn’t read reply before Spurs’ Red Star win
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SON HEUNG-MIN has been in touch with Andre Gomes by text.
The Tottenham star was devastated after his tackle led to Everton ace Gomes suffering broken and dislocated ankle in their clubs’ Prem clash at Goodison Park on Sunday.
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Son publicly apologised for the “accident” after scoring twice in his side’s 4-0 win at Red Star Belgrade last night.
He later revealed he has sent a message to the stricken Portuguese playmaker who is recovering after undergoing surgery on his horrific injuries.
The South Korean said: “I text him before I flew over here and he texted me back.
“I couldn't read it, after the game, but I still feel really, really bad about this. I feel really sorry.
“Football is a sport where something like this can happen. Nobody wants to see this situation. I'm just so sad this happened and that I was involved with this situation.
“It's been a really, really tough few days.”
Asked what Gomes replied, Son said: “I couldn't read it.
“I just texted him to say best wishes to you, I'm really sorry for you, your family and your teammates.
“But I didn’t read his reply because he text me back probably when he got back home.
“I don't want to talk about it too much.”
Gomes suffered the sickening injury when his right leg buckled under him after he was caught by a sliding challenge from Son.
The shattered Spurs striker was in tears and had to be consoled by a member of coach’s backroom team before he was shown a straight red card by referee Martin Atkinson.
That sending off was later rescinded by an independent panel.
While Gomes recovers from his physical injuries, many were left wondering how long it would take for Son’s psychological and emotional scars to heal.
But his brace in Belgrade shows there appears to be no lasting damage as one of the nicest men in football got back to playing the game he loves again.
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Son said: “I have to respect that this is what I have to do, what I love to do. I realise how lucky I am.
“Of course, Gomes got the injury but the people around me sent me really, really strong messages. My teammates and even Everton fans as well, as well as Tottenham fans and those from South Korea.
“I'm really, really grateful for that. Still I feel really sorry about this situation but on the pitch I want to work for it because the team needs especially positive energy.
“I tried to work out this situation.”
After the final whistle in Belgrade, Son and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino went over to thank the 700 travelling Tottenham fans.
Both men have been through the mill lately, albeit for very different reasons.
Son, who refused to celebrate his goals out of respect for Gomes, said: “I'm always grateful to these fans.
“I was late going over at the end because I was shaking hands with all the Red Star players and our players, then I went over with the gaffer together.
“I wanted to send the message that I'm really grateful for all the messages from every single supporter.
“Of course, it's really difficult to say this but I'm really grateful and I realise how lucky I am. I want to pay them back on the pitch.
"That's all I can do. I want to respect him [Gomes] as well, and this is how I show respect – by working harder than in the past.”
Son insisted he never considered pulling out of the trip after the Gomes incident.
He said: “I'm the guy who wants to play every time. I'm the guy who wants to help the team, even if I was in shock.
“I had a really tough few days but the team is every single other player. I had to think about this. I'm not selfish, I don't want to be selfish.
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"I'm not the type to find an excuse. I want to be there all the time, involved in every single game.
“I try to help the team as many times as possible. This is respect to our fans, to our club and to our teammates. Because our teammates helped me so much, it's amazing.
“The coaching staff as well. That's why I want to work harder than before and pay them back.”
Son Heung-min scores for Spurs vs Red Star and dedicates goal to Andre Gomes after horror injury
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