Heung-min Son has apologised to his Tottenham team-mates for missing the start of the new Premier League season, but could not pass up competing for South Korea at the Rio Olympics, reports the London Evening Standard.

"First of all, I'm sorry for the team because I'm going to miss the first game of the season," said the 24 year old. "I've had a very good time in the first four weeks of pre-season with the team, the gaffer and the coaching staff.

"Now I'm excited to go to Rio and to play for South Korea. This is very special for me, my first time in the Olympics.

"I watched the Olympics in 2012 in London and there were so many great performances there, so many people, so many sports. Everyone is excited. It's a great feeling."

Regarding his chances of winning a medal this summer, Son added: "Yes, of course. If that wasn't the case there would be no point going there.

"I want to get a medal for South Korea. I run for South Korea every time, the same as I run for Tottenham.

"I'm not going there just to have fun and enjoy it; I want to win an Olympic medal as well."