Final hero Micky van de Ven seeks redemption: ‘Everyone laughed when I said I would win awards here’

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has responded to his critics following the club’s remarkable victory in the UEFA Europa League final.

Spurs clinched a 1-0 win against Manchester United, securing their first European trophy since 1984. The Dutch international was instrumental in the team’s success, notably making a spectacular save off the goal line to deny Rasmus Hojlund in the second half.

“I haven’t seen it back yet, but I’ve heard it was impressive,” Van de Ven told Ziggo Sport after the match. “I fell on the artificial pitch, so it did hurt my back.”

After the match, the 24-year-old centre-back took a moment to address earlier criticisms regarding his transfer from Wolfsburg to Tottenham. “It’s unbelievable. Everyone was joking that I wouldn’t win any accolades here. We’ve proven them wrong,” he stated.

“This feels incredible. I’ve had quite a tough season with injuries, but now we’re here.”

Van de Ven has made rapid progress in his football career, transitioning from his childhood club FC Volendam to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in just two years, following a brief stint at Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

With their Europa League triumph, Van de Ven and Tottenham Hotspur will compete in next year’s UEFA Champions League. “I hadn’t even considered that yet,” he confessed. “It’ll be my first time as well!”