LAMELA: "I HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS AT TOTTENHAM AND IT'S GOING TO BE A SPECIAL GAME FOR ME"

With 24 hours to go until the Coupang Play Series, Erik Lamela joined Julen Lopetegui in the pre-match press conference at the Suwon World Cup Stadium. Erik was first asked about how the team had been welcomed by the Koreans: "They gave us such a warm welcome. We've felt at home since we landed."

Asked about last season's injury, Erik said he is working for things to be different: "Last year so many things happened. Some injuries that really hurt us, like mine. This year I want to have the regularity I wanted last year and that's what I'm working hard for every day. We've just started preseason and we're worked hard as a team. That's our goal - to be in the best shape for LaLiga starting in a month."

As could be expected, he was asked about his time at Spurs and South Korea's idol, Son Heung-min: "After so many years at Spurs, it's going to be a special game for me. I'll be seeing many former teammates and I have a lot of friends there. It's going to be special for me and Son. I've been talking to him these days and I hope to see him and give him a hug tomorrow. What can I say about him? Every year he shows his incredible talent. He has got better every year and is more decisive. I'm not surprised he won the Premier League Golden Boot because he prepares himself in the perfect way to reach those accolades."