Son Heung-min’s legacy at Tottenham analysed after captain confirms departure from Europa League winners
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has confirmed that he is leaving the club this summer after ten years of outstanding performances. The 33-year-old Korean extended his contract until the 2025/26 season earlier this year, when then-manager Ange Postecoglou wanted to give his captain the best chance of winning the trophy in London.
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The goal of that was achieved when Tottenham won the Europa League last year, but since then the future of the Korean international has been uncertain. Clubs in both MLS and Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested in a transfer.
Son is currently in South Korea with the Tottenham squad ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Newcastle United. On Saturday, he held an emotional press conference where he confirmed his decision to leave the club.
“Before we start, I want to share that I have decided to leave the club this summer. Tottenham have respected my choice and I want to be honest about this before we start,” Son was quoted as saying by football.london.
Son explains his departure decision – expected to sign for Los Angeles FC
“This is the hardest decision I’ve made in my career. I’ve spent ten years at Tottenham, and the reason is that I feel I’ve achieved everything I could here.
“I need a new challenge in a different environment. I am grateful that the club has respected my choice and wish Spurs all the best for the future.
When asked when he made the decision, Son replied:
“It’s been a while since I decided to leave. It hasn’t been easy – I’m always happiest when I play football, but it’s hard to leave a place where I’ve spent ten years of my life.
Son did not reveal where he will end up next, but according to reports, he is close to a move to MLS club Los Angeles FC after Tottenham’s Asian tour is over.
Son’s legacy at Tottenham: “There’s a real legend going on”
As captain of the team that ended Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought, Son has already secured legendary status at the club.
He is Tottenham’s all-time highest-scoring non-English player, with 173 goals – the fifth-highest total in the club’s history. Only Harry Kane (280), Jimmy Greaves (268), Bobby Smith (208) and Martin Chivers (174) have scored more.
In addition, Son has made 101 assists in his 454 appearances, which places him seventh on the club’s leaderboard.
No Spurs fan will forget his stunning solo goal against Burnley in December 2019 – a goal that earned him the FIFA Puskás award. In addition, he shared the Premier League’s Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah in the 2021/22 season.
When he lifted the Europa League trophy in May, Son became only the 13th captain in Spurs history to win a trophy. His charisma on and off the pitch, combined with his exceptional skills, makes him one of the club’s biggest profiles ever.
Son, who is still under contract with Spurs until 2026, led the team to their first trophy in 17 years when they won the Europa League final against Manchester United in May. He joined the north London club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.
“This is one of the toughest decisions of my career. Spending ten years at one club is something I’m immensely proud of – I’ve given everything for the team, every single day.”
“I’ve put in everything, both on and off the pitch. When we won the Europa League, I felt like I had achieved something big and completed a journey. That was a decisive factor in my decision. Tottenham is where I have grown as a player and as a person, and I thank the club with all my heart.
Son played 454 games for Spurs and scored 173 goals. In the 2021/22 season, he took the Premier League’s Golden Boot as the top scorer.
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