SEOUL (BN24) — Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min announced Saturday that he will leave the Premier League club after a decade-long career with the London side. Speaking at a heartfelt media conference in his hometown of Seoul, Son described the decision as the “most difficult” of his career, emphasizing the club’s support as he prepares to embark on a new chapter.
Son, who joined Tottenham as a 23-year-old with limited English skills, said departing the club at 33 marks a “very, very proud moment” as he transitions from a young hopeful to a seasoned professional. The South Korean star expressed deep gratitude to the Spurs faithful, calling Tottenham “home” and thanking fans for their unwavering love and support over the years.
The forward’s departure comes ahead of Tottenham’s preseason friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul on Sunday, a match that could serve as his final appearance in a Spurs jersey. Son’s tenure at Tottenham has been marked by remarkable achievements, including 173 goals in 454 competitive matches and his appointment as team captain in 2023 under former manager Ange Postecoglou.
Last May, Son finally secured his first major European title as Tottenham claimed the Europa League trophy with a victory over Manchester United, ending a trophy drought for the club dating back to 2008. Reflecting on that triumph, Son said, “I felt the pressure. I wanted it so badly. The last seven days, I was dreaming about this game every single day. It finally happened, and I can sleep easy now.”
Son cited Tottenham’s recent success as a key factor influencing his decision. “Winning the Europa League made me feel I had achieved everything I could here. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge,” he explained. Speculation is mounting around his next destination, with reported interest from Major League Soccer in the United States and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
New Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank praised Son as a “Spurs legend in every aspect” and one of the Premier League’s finest wingers. “I think it is probably the perfect timing, going out on a high,” Frank said during the press conference.
When asked about his future plans, Son said he has yet to make a final decision but confirmed his commitment to representing South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. “My most important priority right now is the World Cup. It’s likely to be my last World Cup, and I want to give everything I have,” Son said, noting that the joy of playing football will be a major factor in his next career move.
As Son prepares to leave Tottenham, his legacy as one of the club’s greatest players and a Premier League icon remains firmly intact. His departure marks the end of an era for Spurs and the beginning of a new chapter for the South Korean star.
Credit: Al Jazeera
