Spurs forward Son Heung-min has thanked former teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy as his side prepare to take on Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Son signed for Hamburg back in 2010, leaving his home in South Korea in order to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer in Europe. Van Nistelrooy was in the latter stages of his career, having already made his name playing for Manchester United and Real Madrid, and Son has revealed he owes a lot to the Dutchman for helping him settle in during his time in Germany.
"Ruud helped me a lot,"Son told the Daily Mail.
"He saw my first training session and he talked to me. He told me I was a good player. He gave me confidence and I want to thank him for that. We had a really good team and were successful for a time with him.
"At 16 it was difficult.When I came to Europe I knew no English and no German, nothing. I didn't know any friends. No-one came with me. I felt so alone and so humble because everyone was helping me. It was tough in the first year.
"Sometimes I missed Korea. Everyone misses their home when they're not there. But I wanted to play professional football in Europe, that was my goal and I came to achieve my goal."
Son has been in terrific form so far this season and heads back to his former team Bayer Leverkusen for Tottenham's Champions League clash in what is proving to be a tight group. Having experienced some special moments for Leverkusen before his transfer to Spurs, Son is looking forward to reconnecting with some of his former colleagues and fans.
"It's a special game for me.I had some great times there. My first game in the Champions League against Manchester United at Old Trafford was an exciting memory and I scored two hat-tricks in the Bundesliga," Son continued.
"I made so many friends. I am very excited and a little nervous to be going back. I'm not sure how the reception will be. For me, it will be good to see the fans, the players and the coach."