Son Heung-min broke down in tears after being substituted in a pre-season friendly in Seoul, marking an emotional farewell to Tottenham Hotspur as he prepares to join LAFC in Major League Soccer.
The South Korean forward, who has spent a decade at Spurs, scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists in 454 appearances. He lifted Tottenham’s first trophy in 16 years last season and shared the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021-22.
Substituted after 65 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, Son received hugs and a guard of honour from teammates and opponents. “I didn’t think I was going to cry,” he said. “Leaving the club I’ve spent so much time with felt really tough.”
Teammate Ben Davies, whose son is Son’s godson, was also in tears. James Maddison remarked: “Sonny is Tottenham and Tottenham is Sonny.” Son will now continue his career in the United States with LAFC.
His departure marks the end of an era for Spurs, with supporters in Seoul bidding an emotional farewell to a player known for his smile and dedication both on and off the pitch.
