Thomas Frank has been speaking in Seoul at a press conference where Son Heung-min confirmed that he has decided to leave Tottenham Hotspur.
football.london hadreported earlier on Saturday that the Tottenham captain had told the club and new head coach Thomas Frank of his decision to leave this summer on the perfect high note. Frank is understood to have spoken to a number of senior players at the club when he was first appointed and Son was the only one who indicated a desire to leave.
On Saturday, the 33-year-old confirmed that news at a press conference in South Korea alongside side Frank ahead of the pre-season match against Newcastle.
Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those in Seoul putting the questions to the Tottenham legend and the new head coach. You can find every single word Son said in a full transcript by heading right here and below we have every word Frank said in the press conference.
Are you looking forward to the game?
Looking forward to it of course. First and foremost to be in South Korea, in Seoul is fantastic. The way the fans met us in the airport is just ‘wow.’ I just saw how much the club means to everyone out here so I’m looking forward to the game. It’s going to be a great game against Newcastle.
What was your reaction to Son's decision to leave?
For me personally, I would love to work with him. He is a fantastic person and player. I’ve had the opportunity to watch him from a distance. He has been here 10 years at Spurs, not just 10 years but 10 amazing years. He is a truly Spurs legend in every aspect. I actually think one of the best players who has ever played in the Premier League as a winger in my opinion.
I like the club has been open to it because it is never easy to find that perfect timing and me coming in a little bit from the side I think it’s probably the perfect timing going out on a high. Been here for 10 years, won a well deserved trophy. Been a key player for many seasons. It’s almost the perfect ending to a happy family.
It looked like you've tried to put Brennan Johnson on the left since Son decided he was leaving, does that he mean he will take his place?
First and foremost, when a great player is leaving a team other players have a chance to shine. Brennan Johnson is a player who could play on the left. Also I think that Wilson Odobert did well against Arsenal and can play on the left and also Mathys Tel is a flexible player. I think we have some young promising players that hopefully can step up and take over from Sonny in the future.
There's been rumours that tomorrow's match might be Son's last match at Tottenham so will you give him as many minutes as possible or look at others for the future?
I think it's very clear. It's no secret that Sonny will start and will lead the team out as captain. So I'm looking forward to that in many ways and if it is to be the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it in South Korea, his home country in front of his home fans. That could potentially be a beautiful ending. First and foremost with the biggest respect to Sonny and what he's done for the club.
Is there anything you'd like to test in tomorrow's game and also with Yang, is there anything you'd like to see from him?
I think the first game against Arsenal I was pleased with the performance going forward, especially in the first half. Now we've got another good test against Newcastle. I'd like to see more of the same especially with the high pressure and the middle pressure, and also add a bit to our phase two in tomorrow's game.
With Yang, he is a good promising young player with good talent and he needs to keep working hard and keep trying to improve and develop. He's not been playing for that long and a role model like Sonny must be fantastic for him.