LONDON: Son Heung-min, Tottenham’s South Korean forward, enjoyed a double celebration at Wembley at the weekend.

First Son was presented with the Asian Football Confederation’s Asian International Player of the Year on the pitch then he played a key role in helping Tottenham beating Arsenal 1-0 in the north London Premier League derby.

Son received the award from AFC technical director Andy Roxburgh and Park Ji-sung, a member of the AFC social responsibility committee.

AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa hailed Son on his achievement in becoming the highest-scoring Korean in a European season. He said: “Asia is home to some extraordinary talent and Son Heung-min is a glowing example of our players shining on the biggest stages.

“Son is an outstanding player providing an inspiration not only to fans and aspiring footballers in the Continent, but also around the globe and I am confident this award is a sign of more to come in the years ahead.”

The 25-year-old fended off the challenge from Australia’s Aaron Mooy and Japan and Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa, marking the second time he has won the award after his initial recognition in 2015.

Last season Son scored 21 goals in all competitions for the London club. He was also an integral part of his nation’s qualification for what will be his second FIFA World Cup appearance.

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