James Maddison nearly FALLS OFF Tottenham bus as ‘CEO of the afterparty’ pays classy tribute to Son Heung-min
JAMES MADDISON nearly FELL OFF the Tottenham bus during the club’s wild Europa League parade.
North London was overtaken by Lilywhites as Spurs celebrated ending their 17-year trophy drought.
Maddison, 28, was one of the keenest to celebrate despite being injured for the final in Bilbao.
He had declared himself the “CEO of the afterparty” while on top of the team bus parading around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, he almost took a horror fall while being interviewed by the club media.
The midfielder could be seen stumbling while trying to talk as he had to take a second to balance himself.
Fans spotted the moment and reacted on social media.
One posted: “James Maddison stumbling on top of and on the edge of a tour bus is ANOTHER type of anxiety.”
A second wrote: “That was close to another injury to Maddison.”
After composing himself, he made a classy tribute to club captain Son Heung-min.
The England international said: “He’s one of the best humans I’ve met and I’m so happy he had that moment in Bilbao. You will not meet a nicer man.
“How he treats everyone, my family, my children. He’s just a magnificent man.
“We had a moment on the pitch at the end.
“We don’t always say exactly how we feel, especially men, but that was my opportunity to tell him I adore him. He’s a top man.”
Meanwhile, a croaky-sounding Son, who won his first trophy in his tenth year at club, said: “The last two days have gone so fast.
“I felt like I just slept five hours, but it’s already Friday. It was incredible.
“I waited, I dreamed of this moment. It finally happened.
“I said many times that I wanted to make it here. But today is the day that is special. I’m very lucky, I was captain, it’s even better. I’m all over the moon, so so happy.”
Ange Postecoglou’s No.2 Matt Wells revealed his grandad Cliff Jones, a key part of Bill Nicholson’s double-winning Spurs side in 1961, was also on board the bus.
While left-back Destiny Udogie, who had lost his voice, revealed he will be sleeping with his medal every night.
Hardman of yesteryear Roberts admitted he had tears in his eyes when Spurs triumphed in Bilbao and feels more trophies will follow.
While the two-time FA Cup winner pointed to the close bond felt between Postecoglou and his players.
Roberts, 65, added: “This will give them belief now. All that pressure that was there, that’s gone. We have to strengthen our squad, but I think we have a great bunch of boys.
“They love Ange, they went round him, they cuddled him, they wanted him in the photos. The team spirit is there.”
The love was certainly there for the players, for the club, for Postecoglou, whom these streets will never forget no matter what happens next.
Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to Udogie
BRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.
Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.
Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.
But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.
At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.
Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.
But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.
SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…