South Korean soccer star Son Heung-min has confirmed he will leave Tottenham Hotspur prior to the upcoming Premier League season, marking the end of a significant chapter in his career. The 33-year-old forward, who has become a national icon in South Korea, revealed his decision during a press conference in Seoul ahead of a preseason friendly against Newcastle United.
Son stated, “Before we start the press conference, I wanted to say I have decided to leave the club this summer. Respectfully, the club is helping me with this decision.” He described the choice as “the most difficult decision I have made in my career,” emphasizing his need for a change after a decade with the North London club.
Career Highlights with Tottenham
Since joining Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, Son has solidified his status as one of the club’s all-time greats. Over 454 matches, he has netted an impressive 173 goals, showcasing his remarkable skill and consistency. Throughout his tenure, he formed a dynamic partnership with English football legend Harry Kane, eventually succeeding Kane as club captain.
Notably, during the 2021-22 season, Son was joint top scorer in the Premier League, sharing the honor with Mohamed Salah, as both players finished the season with 23 goals. His contributions were instrumental in Tottenham’s success, culminating in a Europa League victory in May, where the team triumphed over Manchester United in the final.
The Future Ahead
Son’s departure is expected to open new avenues for his career, with reports suggesting a potential move to Major League Soccer in the United States. Reflecting on his journey, Son remarked, “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.”
His impact extends beyond club football; Son has scored 51 goals in 134 appearances for the South Korean national team, solidifying his position as the country’s most prominent athlete. In light of Son’s announcement, new Tottenham coach Thomas Frank praised him as “a true Spurs legend in every aspect, one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League.”
As Son embarks on this new chapter, his legacy at Tottenham remains firmly established, and fans around the globe will eagerly await his next move. With a decade of extraordinary performances behind him, the anticipation for his future endeavors continues to grow.
