Son Heung-min bids tearful farewell to Tottenham after telling the club he wants to LEAVE – as the Spurs captain calls the decision to move on ‘one of the hardest of my career’
Son Heung-min could play his last game for Tottenham in his native South Korea on Sunday after informing the club he that he will leave this summer.
The 33-year-old will likely bring down the curtain on a decade in North London when he appears against Newcastle at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, in front of a sell-out crowd of 66,000.
Spurs are discussing a deal with MLS club Los Angeles FC, although the value is thought to be less than what they would receive from Saudi Arabia, where clubs had also expressed an interest.
But Son is thought to want to experience life in the United States.
Speaking at press conference on Saturday a tearful Son described choosing to leave Spurs as ‘one of the hardest decisions of my career’.
‘I have decided to leave the club this summer. Respectfully the club is helping me with this decision,’ Son said.
Son Heung-min bid an emotional farewell to Tottenham after announcing he would leave the club
The club captain appeared at a press conference alongside Spurs boss Thomas Frank in his native South Korea
Son joined Spurs 10 years ago and lifted his first trophy with the club at the end of last season
‘It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision.
‘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 added that he is ready to take on a new challenge after spending a decade in north London.
‘I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change – 10 years is a long time,’ he added.
‘I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man.
Despite not having had much time with Son since succeeding Ange Postecoglou as Spurs boss, Thomas Frank was full of praise for his departing captain.
‘For me personally, I would love to work with him. He is a fantastic person and player. I’ve had the opportunity to watch him from a distance,’ said Frank.
The 33-year-old choked back tears in front of reporters as he reflected on a decade in north London
Frank called his departing captain one of the best wingers ever to grace the Premier League
‘He has been here 10 years at Spurs, not just 10 years but 10 amazing years. He is a truly Spurs legend in every aspect. I actually think one of the best players who has ever played in the Premier League as a winger in my opinion.
Before any potential move, Son will lead out the side here in his country’s capital on what is sure to be an emotional occasion, for the player, his team-mates and supporters.
Frank added that the send off would be the least Son deserved for his decade of service in north London.
‘I think it’s very clear. It’s no secret that Sonny will start and will lead the team out as captain. So I’m looking forward to that in many ways and if it is to be the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it in South Korea, his home country in front of his home fans.
‘That could potentially be a beautiful ending. First and foremost with the biggest respect to Sonny and what he’s done for the club.’
Son has scored 173 goals from 454 appearances for Tottenham after joining the club for £22million from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.
He won his first trophy when appearing as a second-half substitute during the 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final in May.
