Sonny: "I try to be better day by day"

Mauricio Pochettino and Heung-Min Son faced the media together in Shanghai after training on Wednesday - and the manager was impressed with Sonny’s typical modesty in front of the cameras.

Sonny was told how he means ‘the universe’ to fans in South Korea.

“That’s a bit too much,” he responded. “Always what I say is this position makes me more… what can I say? I’m happy here, still learning, still trying to be better day by day.

“Of course I enjoy it but not too much pressure. I know I should enjoy this moment and I should be proud to always work harder than before because people are always watching me and expect more than what I’ve done before. I’m looking forward to being better with our team and with our staff. I’m always looking forward.”

Asked later if he was surprised by Sonny’s popularity, Mauricio said: “No, I’m not surprised. We can appreciate and see how the people love Sonny here in Asia. Of course he's an icon. I’ve compared him before to David Beckham in his popularity.

“It doesn't surprise me but it's good to see how the people love him and how important he is for the people. I am also happy to hear him telling you that he still wants to improve, to be better and work hard.

“That mentality is fantastic and that is why he is a very good example for all the fans and all the people, not only here in Asia but the world.

“I think after the first season he’s very happy. The first season was tough for him to adapt to England, to the new football, new culture, new habits. Tottenham was in a position that we started to grow very quickly and it was difficult to come and fit in quickly and play. It was very tough, but after the first season his adaptation was unbelievable and he became a very important player for us.”

The players have worked hard in training for the last couple of days in Shanghai and now it’s the tour’s finale – Manchester United in the International Champions Cup (ICC) at the Hongkou Stadium on Thursday night (12.30pm UK/7.30pm).

Asked how important it would be to win this all-Premier League clash, Mauricio added: “It’s always important, but what is also important is to see where we are. Of course, Juventus (our first ICC game, a 3-2 win) was important because it was the first game.

“I told you (the media) that the result was not the most important thing, but the performance and how we felt on the pitch.

“We are a little shorter in preparation if you compare us with Manchester United because they’ve played two games more than us and they started earlier. When you compete you want to win. We will focus on different things but try to win the game.”