Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has gotten attention this week for his divulgado announcement. He’s set to depart the club this summer after an incredible one-decade-long run. The 33-year-old forward has left a lasting mark on the Premier League. He took Tottenham to their first European title, beating Manchester United in the Europa League final. His exodus fuels talk about upcoming transfers to U.S.-based teams. At the same time, Saudi Arabian clubs are making their own moves.
Son has never been bad over the course of a season in his time at Tottenham thus far. He has scored a phenomenal 173 goals in 454 competitive appearances. His leadership was key as the club secured their first trophy since 2008 when they captured the Europa League this past season. This underappreciated achievement sealed Son’s legacy at the London club. In the process, he has transitioned from an upstart young player to a battle-tested leader.
“I came to North London as a kid, 23 years old, very young age, a young boy came to London who even didn’t speak English and leaving this club as a grown man is a very, very proud moment,” Son reflected on his time at Tottenham during a recent press conference.
He is looking forward to playing on behalf of his country across North America. “My most important priority right now is the World Cup. It’s likely to be my last World Cup and I want to give everything I have in that environment,” he stated. Though on national duty, Son’s focus has been complete. He’s been clear that he wants to go out on top before perhaps entering a new phase of his career where he does something else.
Even with all the excitement over where he may land next, Son has not personally committed to playing anywhere just yet. So I don’t feel like I have an answer, to be honest,” he said guiltily. Most important, he stressed that his future decisions will be based on things like being happy and wanting to have fun playing the game. I want to have fun playing football again. I know that this passion will drive and shape my future decisions in an impactful way. I am still figuring my head around that,” he further commented.
His decision to leave Spurs came after much consideration. “It was one of the toughest decisions I ever made,” Son said, acknowledging the emotional weight of his choice. He gave a special thanks to the fans who have supported him since he joined the club. “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,” he said.
This news has launched Son’s departure into a metaphorical spotlight, attracting attention from the player’s peers and the media alike. Brentford manager Thomas Frank praised Son’s contributions, saying, “He is truly a Spurs legend in every aspect. One of the best players to ever play in the Premier League, in my opinion, as a winger. I think it is probably the perfect timing, going out on a high.”
Son’s leadership qualities started to emerge when he was made captain by manager Ange Postecoglou at the beginning of this year. Under his stewardship, Spurs went on to win the Europa League trophy. Beyond the city, the team turned into a cultural force and competitive force in the league.
