Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has announced that he will be leaving the North London club this summer, ending a remarkable 10-year spell.
The 33-year-old forward, who joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, has become one of the club’s most iconic players, scoring 173 goals in 454 appearances.
His time at the club was capped by leading Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years, captaining the side in their Europa League final victory over Manchester United in May.
Despite being under contract until 2026, Son is currently in advanced talks with MLS club Los Angeles FC, where he is expected to continue his career.
Speaking to the media alongside newly appointed manager Thomas Frank, Son admitted that the decision to leave was far from easy.
“This is the most difficult one I have made in my career,” Son said.
“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.”
Tottenham are currently in Seoul, South Korea, for pre-season preparations, and Son is set to captain the side in a friendly match against Newcastle United on Sunday.
That game could mark his final appearance for Spurs, fittingly taking place in front of his home fans.
Manager Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in June, paid glowing tribute to Son’s impact on the club and the Premier League.
“Son is a true Spurs legend,” Frank said.
“One of the greatest players to play in the Premier League.”
“If that is the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it here in front of his home fans. It could be a beautiful ending.”
Although Spurs are scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13, it remains uncertain whether Son will still be with the club by then.
