min makes ‘most difficult decision’ of career and asks to leave Tottenham Hotspur to seek 'a new environment to push myself'

Son Heung-min makes ‘most difficult decision’ of career and asks to leave Tottenham Hotspur to seek 'a new environment to push myself'

Published 02/08/2025 at 08:46 GMT+1

Son Heung-min has emotionally called time on 10 years with Tottenham Hotspur, as one of the club's most popular players departs for pastures new. Silverware may have been in short supply for the 33-year-old, but he ended his spell in the best way possible, ending the club's 17-year trophy drought with victory in the UEFA Europa League final. A move to the MLS may be on the cards next.

'The most difficult decision in my football career' - Son will leave Spurs this summer

Video credit: SNTV

Son Heung-min has dramatically decided to leave Tottenham Hotspur after a 10-year spell at the club.

The South Korea international has asked Spurs to help facilitate a move away from north London, with Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC widely reported to be the 33-year-old’s next destination.

Son looks set to leave after making a total of 454 appearances for the club, scoring 173 goals and registering 101 assists.

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His announcement came at a press conference in Seoul, where Son said: "Before we start the press conference, I wanted to say I have decided to leave the club this summer. Respectfully, the club is helping me with this decision.

"It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision.

"I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change - 10 years is a long time. I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man.

"I want to say thank you to all the Spurs fans for giving me so much love. I hope the goodbye is also good timing and this is the right time to make that decision. I hope everyone can accept that and respect that."

Head coach Thomas Frank was prompted for his reaction to the news and added: "For me, personally, I would have loved to have worked with this fantastic person and player.

"He is a true Spurs legend in every aspect, one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League. It is never easy to find the perfect timing and me coming in from the side, it makes it a bit easier to end on a high."

Son will leave after captaining his side to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in last season's UEFA Europa League final.

It ended a 17-year trophy drought and proved to be Son's only major honour during his time at the club.

‘Today, I am a legend’ – Delighted, emotional Son basks in glory of Europa League win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Tottenham are preparing for a friendly with Newcastle United in Seoul on Sunday, which could mark Son's final appearance for the club in his own country.

"If that is the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it here in front of his home fans," Frank continued.

"It could be a beautiful ending."

Tottenham’s next competitive match is against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

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