Mauricio Pochettino demands credit for decision he made regarding Tottenham ace Heung-Min Son

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The Tottenham Hotspur forward is back and available for selection after winning the Asian games with South Korea.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino addressed the media today during his pre-match press conference, and shared what he told Heung-Min Son, after the forward returned to north London following his participation in the Asian games, as quoted by Football.London.

The 26-year-old won the tournament with South Korea – a feat that means he is now exempt from national service.

In South Korea, two years of national service is obligatory for male citizens between the ages of 18 and 35, so the fact that Son doesn’t need to perform those duties now will be a huge boost for Tottenham.

And Pochettino told reporters today how he deserves a lot of credit for allowing the forward to partake in the Asian games in the first place, as quoted by Football.London:

“OK, first of all I want to congratulate him, because it’s such an important victory to avoid the military service. It’s a big point for him. Then to congratulate the club because the club has protected a big asset. That is so important. But in all this history, where is my present? I told him today where is my present Sonny? I want a watch or some Korean food. Who took the risk? I did? Rather than congratulate him and the club people need to say to congratulate me and say thank you. I allowed him to go there. In the past or in the future, I don’t know how many managers are going to allow him to help the club and help the players and take a risk that affects the present. That is why I said to Sonny ‘I’m waiting for my present’.”

Pochettino was then asked whether Son is ready to feature for Tottenham against Liverpool on Saturday:

“He’s travelled a lot and yes I hope that for the weekend he’ll be available to play or be on the bench.”

Considering the fact that Spurs failed to sign a single player during the summer transfer window, having Son back and available for selection will be a massive plus for Pochettino’s side.