Mourinho lauds ‘Sonaldo’ after South Korean scores special goal in win over Burnley

After Heung-Min Son lit up a gloomy December afternoon in North London on Saturday, Jose Mourinho dubbed the South Korean ‘Sonaldo’ in an ode to former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario.

The 27-year-old, who was awarded with his AFC Asian International Player of the Year trophy by compatriot Ji-Sung Park ahead of kick-off, stole the show by sprinting 80 yards past three Burnley defenders before calmly slotting the ball home.

His manager was not surprised by the effort when making comparisons to a goal he witness the great Brazilian striker score in 1996:

“Even before this goal my son calls him Sonaldo, and today he was Sonaldo Nazario,”

“The only thing that came to my mind was a goal where I had the honour to be sat next to Sir Bobby Robson, in 1996, and Ronaldo Nazario scored a goal against Compostela from behind the midfield line and scored a very similar goal to Son. Amazing goal.”

Asked further on the pleasure of coaching a player like the South Korean, Mourinho added:

“From the outside I had the feeling and the experience, not my experience but the experience of some colleagues, I even remember speaking with Sir Alex about Ji Sung Park, I think it’s probably a cultural thing.

They are very coachable, they like to learn and are very humble. My experience with him is fantastic. Yesterday I met both of his parents and I understand also where it comes from. The kid is so fantastic. I’m so happy.”

Son has now undoubtedly become one of the elite players in his position and continues to further his reputation since Jose Mourinho’s arrival into N17.

Having already scored five goals in the competition this season, the winger will be looking to add to his tally in the Champions League against Bayern Munich on Wednesday should he start in what is expected to be a rotated Tottenham team.