Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has announced his decision to part ways with the club this summer, ending a remarkable ten-year journey in north London.
The 33-year-old forward, who joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, has featured in over 450 matches for the team.
Although he helped secure the Europa League title in May, with Manchester United beaten 1-0 in the final, the season overall proved disappointing for the veteran, who battled injury and a dip in form.
During a press conference held in Seoul - where Tottenham are currently on their pre-season tour - the South Korean star shared his plans with the media.
“Before we start the press conference I wanted to say I have decided to leave the club this summer,” Son said. “Respectfully, the club is helping me with this decision.”
Son, who has scored 173 goals in his Spurs career, became visibly emotional when addressing his departure.
“It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision,” he continued, sitting beside new manager Thomas Frank.
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“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.”
In remarks made in Korean, Son highlighted the significance of winning European silverware with Spurs, admitting it was the finest hour of his time in north London.
“Winning a title in Europe felt like I had achieved everything I possibly could,” he said.
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“I spent a lot of time reflecting on whether I wanted to experience football in a different environment, and I had those conversations with myself over and over again.”
Frank, who joined Tottenham from Brentford this summer, praised the outgoing captain.
“For me, personally, I would have loved to have worked with this fantastic person and player,” the Danish coach said.
“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.”
Tottenham are set to face Newcastle United on Sunday in Seoul, with Son expected to receive a hero’s welcome from the home crowd.
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It may be his final appearance for the club, though a UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain in Udine on August 13 still lies ahead.
“It’s very clear that Sonny will start and lead the team out as captain. If that is the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it here in front of his home fans. It could be a beautiful ending,” Frank added.
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