Son Heung-min Confirms To Leave Tottenham Hotspur

JAKARTA - Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min confirmed he would leave the team he had defended for 10 years this summer.

This was said by Son in a press conference ahead of their pre-season game in South Korea, against Newcastle United which will be held on Sunday (3/8) at 18.00 WIB at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

"It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. But I think it's the right time to make this decision. I hope everyone understands my decision and respects it," said the South Korean star, quoted from the club's official website, Saturday.

Son came to Spurs in August 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen. Since then, he has been the focus of the North London club's attack with a collection of 173 goals, 101 assists, and one Europa League trophy from 454 matches in all competitions.

"I came to North London as a child, 23 years old, very young. A young man came to London who couldn't even speak English, and left the club as an adult was a very, very proud moment," said the 33-year-old player.

He acknowledged that this decision was taken after he finally won the trophy for Tottenham last season, namely the Europa League after beating Manchester United in the final.

"Winning the Europa League makes me feel like I have achieved everything I can here. I need a new environment for new challenges," said Son.

Meanwhile, Spurs new coach Thomas Frank said it would be a "beautiful ending" for Son if the game against Newcastle was his last game, as he would say goodbye to his own country.

"It's very clear that Sonny will start and lead the team as captain. If this is Sonny's last game, how great he is doing here, in front of the home fans. This could be a beautiful ending," said the former Brentford coach.

After fighting Newcastle, Spurs will fly to Germany to face Bayern Munich on Thursday (7/8) at 23.30 WIB at the Allianz Arena. This is their last pre-season game before competing in the European Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain at Bluenergy Stadium, Italy one week later.

From another source, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that the football league in the United States or Major League Soccer (MLS) is the favorite destination for the footballer who was born in Chuncheon, Gangwon, South Korea.

"The player has notified Spurs management and also Thomas Frank's new manager," Romano wrote through his official X account, Saturday.

"Negotiations are ongoing with the MLS LAFC (Los Angeles FC) club after it was also approached by Saudi Arabian clubs in May. MLS, most likely its goal," he said.