As the final applause rang out at Seoul Stadium during the press conference before the Tottenham-Newcastle friendly on August 2, Son Heung-min's voice choked up slightly: "I will leave Tottenham."
No dramatic speech, no loud tears, just a heavy silence and a bow of thanks - a very Son farewell.
After 10 years with Tottenham, after 454 matches and 173 goals, the devoted captain, the symbol of loyalty and determination, chose this moment to close the most beautiful chapter of his life. Not for money, not for late fame, and certainly not for pressure. He left when his mission was complete.
A Decade and a Definition of Loyalty
Son arrived at Tottenham in 2015, when fans barely knew his name. Ten years later, the name “Sonny” echoes across the English stadiums as a symbol: always dedicated, always striving, always putting the team before himself.
In a team famous for its “empty-handed sadness”, Son has never complained. He has gone through many coaches - from Mauricio Pochettino to Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo or Antonio Conte - with the same attitude: professional and humble. No scandals, no demands to leave, no half-hearted play.
Son has never been a loudmouth in the dressing room, but he is a role model for his teammates. He brings Asian hard work, Premier League warrior spirit and the warm heart of an artist. Tottenham have had brighter, more expensive stars, but none as deep and lovable as Son.
And finally, in the 2024/25 season, Son could lift the Europa League trophy - Spurs' first major trophy in 17 years. There's no better scenario for a happy ending.
Son left when he still had 1 year left on his contract. But the board did not hold on - not because they did not need him, but because they understood: Son did not "leave" Tottenham, he just ended a journey that was already full. The respect for him was too great to prevent a personal choice.
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Last season, Son was no longer at his peak. |
Last season, Son was no longer at his peak: just 7 goals in the Premier League - the lowest since his debut season - and many games had to be played without his full speed. However, that is not the reason for him to leave. He could still stay, be a spiritual leader, as many other veterans have done.
But Son chose to leave while things were still good. He did not want to be remembered as a “legacy of the past”. For the Korean star, the Europa League title was not just a personal achievement, but an ideal ending: “I did everything I could. Now it is time to give the opportunity to the next generation”.
No one can blame you. No one wants to hold you back. Because true love always knows when to let go.
LAFC, Saudi or a serene new chapter?
It's no wonder that both the Saudi Pro League and MLS rolled out the red carpet to invite Son. Middle Eastern clubs were willing to pay a salary of more than $40 million /year - a figure that would be hard to refuse for any player at the age of 33. But Son - once again - chose his heart, not his wallet.
His number one priority is Los Angeles FC, a young, ambitious and media-savvy club where Son can continue to play at the highest level, but in a less stressful environment, closer to his family and the Korean community.
MLS also opens up new opportunities for him in the fields of commerce, media and even cinema - something Son has long hinted at. Above all, it is a league where he does not need to be the one to shoulder the burden but is still properly appreciated.
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Son left - not to run away - but to continue living the life of a man who loved and was loved completely in the place he called home. |
Saudi Arabia was never Son’s target, even though he had twice the money. Because for him, football is more than just a job - it is a joy, a part of his identity. And Son understands that identity can only be maintained if he still feels happy when he steps on the field.
They say no one is irreplaceable, but Tottenham know well: no one can replace Son.
They can sign young talent, they can find a player who scores more, is faster, is younger. But it will be a long time - if not ever - before they find a player who represents the spirit of the club as perfectly as Son.
Son is more than just a captain, he is a role model. A role model for every kid in the academy. A reminder that being a good person is more important than talent. An embodiment of what is best in football: perseverance, passion and sincerity.
For Spurs fans, Son is family. He doesn’t need a statue or a stadium named after him. His name is in their hearts – and will be there forever.
When Lionel Messi left Barcelona, the world cried. When Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid, every newspaper ran the story all week. Son was different. He came quietly, shone quietly, and then quietly said goodbye.
But there are people who don't need noise to become great. Son is such a person.
In a football world increasingly noisy with money, drama and social media, Son Heung-min is like a fairy tale teller - simple but profound. And that story now closes the page of Tottenham to open a new journey. There may not be more titles, no more records, but there will definitely be more people who love him.
Son left - not to run away - but to continue living the life of a man who loved and was loved completely in the place he called home.
Sonny, thanks for everything. We don't say goodbye. Because people like you - never leave.
Source: https://znews.vn/son-heung-min-khong-can-on-ao-de-tro-thanh-vi-dai-post1573685.html
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