Football star Son Heung-min has officially ended his remarkable 10-year journey with Tottenham Hotspur, bidding an emotional farewell during a friendly match against Newcastle United.
An Emotional Farewell
The moment arrived in the 64th minute of Sunday’s friendly, as Son Heung-min was substituted, signaling the end of his illustrious decade with Tottenham Hotspur. It was an incredibly emotional scene, as the match was paused to allow the South Korean icon to say his goodbyes.
Both his Tottenham teammates and the Newcastle players embraced him, offering hugs and well wishes. As he walked off the field, players from both teams formed a touching mini guard of honor, a testament to the respect he commanded throughout his career.
A Decade of Dedication
Son joined the North London club in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen and quickly became a fan favorite. Over his ten years, he made 454 appearances, scoring an impressive 173 goals. His individual brilliance was recognized when he shared the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season.
His tenure at Spurs saw him develop from a promising talent into one of the league’s most consistent and beloved players. His dedication on and off the pitch left an undeniable mark on the club and its supporters.
Leaving on a High Note
Just recently in May, Son captained Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years, lifting the Europa League after a victory over Manchester United. This significant achievement seems to have played a role in his decision to depart.
“By winning the Europa League, I thought I’d done everything I could and achieved,” he stated, indicating a sense of fulfillment. He described the decision to leave as one of the “most difficult” in his career, highlighting his deep connection to the club.
Son’s Heartfelt Words
Son announced his departure the day before the friendly, expressing his pride in his tenure. “Playing football and being with one team for 10 years is something I am very proud of, but I think I gave my all to the team every single day,” he shared.
He reflected on his growth, noting, “When I first arrived at Tottenham 10 years ago, I was a young boy who couldn’t even speak English well. I’m leaving now as a man. I believe timing is crucial in saying goodbye, and now feels like the right time.”
Looking Ahead: World Cup and Future
While his contract with Spurs ran until 2026, Son has also hinted at the possibility of retirement after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His focus now seems to be firmly on his international career and finding a place where he can continue to enjoy the game.
“The World Cup is the most important. It could be my last World Cup, so it’s crucial that I give it my all. Also important is finding a place where I can play football happily,” he explained.
- Son Heung-min concluded his 10-year journey with Tottenham Hotspur, making 454 appearances and scoring 173 goals.
- His emotional farewell during a friendly saw a guard of honor from both teams.
- He departs after leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years, the Europa League.
- Son plans to prioritize the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is considering retirement afterward.
Son Heung-min’s departure marks the end of a remarkable era for both the player and Tottenham Hotspur, leaving behind a legacy of passion, goals, and a historic trophy.
