After a decade-long journey with Tottenham Hotspur, captain Son Heung-min is bidding farewell to the club.
There were no prior hints or rumors, and his contract had not yet expired. The preseason was already underway. So Son’s announcement came as quite a surprise. The South Korean star has decided to end his 10-year chapter with Tottenham.
Son has not yet revealed his next destination, but British media reports suggest the 33-year-old forward may be heading to Major League Soccer, joining Los Angeles FC.
Just two and a half months ago, Son led Tottenham to Europa League glory, ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought and securing their first European title in 41 years. After that triumph, Son said, “Today, I am the happiest man in the world.” Yet, that man will not be part of the club next season.
Though his contract runs until next year, Son announced his departure at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday, the day before Tottenham’s preseason match against Newcastle United.
“I have decided to leave the club this summer. I think this was the toughest decision of my football career. Playing for one team for 10 years has been a great source of pride for me. I have given my all every single day.”
“I have always tried to give my best both on and off the pitch, and by winning the Europa League, I feel I have achieved as much as I possibly could.”
Son’s professional journey began in 2008 at age 16 when he joined the Hamburger SV academy after progressing through various South Korean youth setups. He made his professional debut with Hamburg’s second team before signing for Bayer Leverkusen in 2013. Two years later, he moved to Tottenham, making the North London club his home since.
Reflecting on his farewell, Son expressed immense gratitude toward the club.
“I have grown the most as a footballer and as a person here at this club. So my heart is full of gratitude.”
In total, Son has played 454 matches for Tottenham across all competitions, scoring 173 goals.
Besides the Europa League triumph, he was a runner-up in the 2018-19 Champions League and the 2020-21 League Cup with Spurs. He also won the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season.
Tottenham’s coach Thomas Frank paid tribute to the departing star:
“He truly is a Spurs legend in every sense. I appreciated that the club was completely open about this. Finding the perfect timing for someone like him is very difficult, but I believe this is the right moment for him to leave with his head held high.”
