What Tottenham players said about Ange Postecoglou, as Son Heung

What Tottenham players said about Ange Postecoglou, as Son Heung-min calls departing manager 'Spurs legend forever'

Published 07/06/2025 at 11:04 GMT+1

Tottenham Hotspur have dismissed Ange Postecoglou less than a month after winning the Europa League, leading club captain Son Heung-min and several Spurs players to give thanks to their departing manager. Son called Postecoglou a "Tottenham Hotspur legend forever," as he expressed his gratitude for the Australian handing the captain's armband to the South Korean.

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Club captain Son Heung-min called departing head coach Ange Postecoglou a "Tottenham Hotspur legend forever."

Spurs announced Postecoglou's dismissal on Friday despite winning the Europa League final only two weeks earlier, ending the club's 17-year wait for a major trophy.

European glory came alongside a dismal domestic campaign however, as they recorded their worst points tally in the Premier League and lost 22 matches en route to finishing 17th.

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One of Postecoglou's first moves after being appointed to Spurs in summer 2023 was to make Son captain, replacing Hugo Lloris.

Postecoglou persisted with Son despite the striker's poor form and clear fatigue throughout a struggling season for Spurs, and the 32-year-old made his gratitude towards the Australian clear on Instagram.

"You’ve changed the trajectory of this club, he wrote. "You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did."

He continued: "You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it’s had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

"You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It’s been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you.

"Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate."

Several other Spurs players took to social media to pay homage to their outgoing manager.

Both Pedro Porro and Guglielmo Vicario, who joined the club in the summer of 2023, echoed Son's emotional sentiments on the coach who guided them to a European title.

"Thank you for everything, boss," Porro wrote. For mentoring me early on, helping me settle into the club, and trusting me out on the pitch. I’ll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows.

"Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated. Wishing you all the very best, boss."

Vicario said: Boss, I just want to say a massive thank you for everything you have done for me and for all of us.

"From that very first call, right from the beginning, you always showed so much belief in me.

"You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Postecoglou delivered a statement published by his representatives in the wake of his departure, and the 59-year-old said: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.

"The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget."

Defender Micky van de Ven added: "Gaffer, thank you for everything! Believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club. Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us and kept pushing us. Big part of the success from the club this year, and forever grateful that you made me part of it. All the best."

Dominic Solanke, who signed for Spurs last summer said: "Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy. [I] won’t ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure."

Brentford's Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading contender to replace Postecoglou and lead Spurs in the Champions League next season.

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