손흥민 "어디서부터 시작해야 할지 모르겠다"…32강 탈락 후 첫 심경 [지금이뉴스] / YTN

South Korean national football team captain Son Heung-min (33, LAFC) apologized to fans for the team's failure to advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and promised to do his best in his place again. On the morning of the 30th, Son posted a long message on his social media, revealing his complex inner feelings by stating, "I don't know where to begin. I can't pretend not to know, nor do I want to avoid reality." The national team finished third in Group A with one win and two losses in the group stage of the World Cup in North America, and their elimination from the Round of 32 was confirmed on the 28th. This is the first time Son has publicly shared his feelings since then. "First of all, I want to sincerely apologize to the people of South Korea and to the fans who love football," Son said, empathizing with the fans' feelings. "As someone who loves football myself, if I had watched a match like this, I would have felt truly regretful, frustrated, and distressed." He then stated, "I wanted to convey this message to the fans, who must be going through a harder time than anyone else, with various emotions crossing their minds every day and every moment." He continued, "This tournament was more precious to me than anyone else, and I feel indescribably troubled and heartbroken that the 'stage of a child's dreams' I have always spoken of seems to have crumbled." This tournament marked Son Heung-min's fourth World Cup appearance. Son expressed his sorrow over the devastating result, saying, "To be honest, it is still not easy to accept this reality. When I think of the fans who must be carrying much greater disappointment and pain than I do, I am cautious even about speaking my own feelings, but I believe their feelings are not much different from mine." He further bowed his head repeatedly, stating, "I am well aware that so much was sacrificed for this stage," and adding, "I also feel a great sense of responsibility for the fact that I ultimately could not repay the time, heart, and unwavering support and love you have sent me." He continued, "I am truly so sorry. And I sincerely thank everyone who believed in us, supported us, and stood with us until the end." Son Heung-min then soothed the fans' hearts with a pledge to rise again after this failure. He stated, "Rather than expressing it all in words right now, I will do my utmost in my place again to win back the hearts of the people of Korea and football fans." He added, "I will run with all my might to bring you joy again. I have never forgotten the promise I made to the fans. I will pour everything I have into preparing well again until the fans find me and need me." Finally, Son Heung-min concluded his message with a plea: "Rather than giving too much criticism and hurt to all the players, I earnestly ask that you send warm support and encouragement, even though it must be very difficult for you." Audio | AI Anchor Production | Lee Seon #ThisNews ▶ Original Article : https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0545_202606... ▶ Send a Tip : https://mj.ytn.co.kr/mj/mj_write.php ▣ Subscribe to YTN YouTube Channel : http://goo.gl/Ytb5SZ ⓒ YTN Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use of AI data are prohibited.