He has also struggled with Korea Republic, who head to the FIFA World Cup on the back of a dismal run of results and will face the Czech Republic, South Africa and co-hosts Mexico in Group A.

Korea Republic lost 4-0 to the Ivory Coast and 1-0 to Austria in recent friendlies.

Son tried to lift the mood as he spoke to reporters at the team's training camp in Salt Lake City on Tuesday.

"A lot of people are worried, but I'm only worried if I'm not playing well," he said. "I don't think it's the case now. Physically, I am feeling great."

Korea Republic face the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11, the opening day of the tournament which is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

They reached the last 16 at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 before losing 4-1 to Brazil.

Son, who will be playing at his fourth FIFA World Cup, said the players "need to know where our teammates are with our eyes closed.

"Of course we want to get to a higher place this time and do better than the last World Cup," he said. "But we can't predict the future. Other teams will be preparing just as hard."

Son has scored 54 goals in 143 games for his country and been their inspiration for more than 15 years.

He has scored three FIFA World Cup goals to give him a share of Korea Republic's record with Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan.

"Obviously, it's impossible not to be hearing about these records. People have been talking about them, and fans have taken great interest in them," Son said. "But I've just not been thinking too much about them.

"If I put the team above all else and worry about how I can help the team first, then goals will naturally follow."

Source: AFP