Son Heung-min Confirms Departure from Tottenham After Decade

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has officially announced his departure from the club after a distinguished ten-year tenure. The 33-year-old South Korean international joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and has made a remarkable impact, scoring 173 goals in 454 appearances. His leadership culminated in a significant achievement this past May, leading the team to victory in the Europa League, marking their first trophy in 17 years.

During a press conference in Seoul, where the club is currently engaged in a pre-season tour, Son expressed that the decision to leave was “the most difficult one I have made in my career.” He reflected on his journey, saying, “I came to north London as a kid — a very young age, a young boy came to London who even didn’t speak English. Leaving this club as a grown man is a very, very proud moment.”

Son’s current contract with Tottenham extends until 2026, but he has been linked with a transfer to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC. Speculation suggests a move could happen soon, with his farewell match potentially occurring as early as Sunday, when Spurs play against Newcastle United in a friendly in Seoul. This match could provide Son with an opportunity for a final appearance in front of his home fans.

New head coach Thomas Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou in June, praised Son as “a true Spurs legend” and “one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League.” He remarked, “If that is the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it, here in front of his home fans. It could be a beautiful ending.”

Although Tottenham is scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13, 2023, it remains possible that Son will depart before this fixture, bringing an end to a chapter filled with accomplishments that have left an indelible mark on both Tottenham and the Premier League.