A Decade of Dedication: Son Says Emotional Farewell to Tottenham

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has officially announced his departure from the club this summer. His transfer to the MLS is now a matter of time.

Son, who joined Tottenham Hotspur from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, made his mark on the club. He helped the club win their first trophy in 17 years with a 1-0 victory against Manchester United in the Europa League final.

However, injuries and inconsistent form in recent years have diminished his playing opportunities, and his place in the starting eleven is no longer guaranteed. Son said he wanted to join a team where he could play regularly and which would provide a new challenge ahead of next year's World Cup.

Speaking at the press conference, Son said:

"Before we start the press conference, I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club in this summer. Respectfully, this club is helping me to my decisions. So I just wanted to share this information before we start the conference.

"I came to North London as a kid, 23 years old, very young age, a young boy came to London who even did not speak English and leaving this club as a grown man is a very, very proud moment."

He also thanked the fans who have supported him over the years:

"So I just want to say thank you to all of the Spurs fans that gave me so much love and felt like it was my home. It was one of the toughest decisions I ever made. So I hope the goodbye is always also in a good timing you know. But I think it is the right time to make this decision."

Rumors surrounding Son's future are not actually new. Last summer, he was not expected to extend his contract, and his departure in 2025 was already a possibility, especially after the Europa League victory. A transfer to MLS is on the cards, and Los Angeles FC has reportedly made a formal offer.

According to The Athletic, Son is open to the offer and wants it to happen. With the World Cup being held in the US, Canada, and Mexico next year, this new move makes even more sense for Son. This tournament will likely be his last for South Korea.

Son's representatives will continue negotiations with LAFC. Other clubs from across Europe and the world are also expected to become involved in this development. Son will play his final match for Tottenham in a friendly against Newcastle in Seoul on Sunday.

Son's time at Tottenham was a decade of incredible accomplishments, both for himself and the club. The South Korean forward made a total of 454 appearances for the club, becoming the fifth-highest goalscorer in Tottenham's history with 173 goals.

He also contributed 101 assists, demonstrating his all-around importance to the team's attack. His final accomplishment as captain, winning the UEFA Europa League in 2025, capped off a remarkable and memorable career in North London.

Team Accomplishments

• UEFA Europa League Winner (2025): The crowning achievement of his time at Tottenham, where he captained the club to their first major trophy in 17 years.
• UEFA Champions League Runner-up (2019): A key part of the historic Spurs side that reached the Champions League Final.
  

Individual Honors and Records

• Premier League Golden Boot (2021-22): Shared the award with Mohamed Salah, becoming the first-ever Asian player to win the Premier League's top scorer award.
• FIFA Puskás Award (2020): Winner of the award for the "most beautiful goal" of the year for his incredible solo run and finish against Burnley.
• Most Premier League Goals by an Asian Player: He is the all-time leading Asian goalscorer in the Premier League.
• First Asian Player to Score 100 Premier League Goals.
• Highest-scoring Asian player in a single season across Europe's top five leagues.
• Tottenham Hotspur Club Captain: Appointed captain for the 2023-24 season, a testament to his leadership and status at the club.
• Tottenham Hotspur All-Time Top Goalscorer (Premier League): As of his departure, he is the club's second-highest all-time goalscorer, just one behind Martin Chivers.
• Premier League Player of the Month: Won the award multiple times, a recognition of his consistent high-level performances.
• Tottenham Hotspur's Player of the Season: Voted as the club's best player on numerous occasions by both fans and official supporters' clubs.