Heung-min Son, Tottenham`s esteemed striker and club captain, participated in what is anticipated to be his final game for Spurs on Sunday. The friendly match against Newcastle, held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Korea, saw Son play before his home nation`s supporters. In an emotional moment during the 65th minute, the South Korean star was substituted, handing the captain`s armband to Ben Davies, and was then honored with a guard of honor by both sets of players before being embraced by his teammates and the Tottenham staff. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw.
Just one day prior, on Saturday, Son had publicly announced his decision to depart from Spurs this summer, concluding a remarkable ten-year tenure at the club.
“I didn`t initially expect to shed tears, but hearing a few words from my teammates made leaving the club, where I`ve spent so much time, incredibly difficult,” Son reflected after the game. “I felt genuinely happy playing in this match. Thanks to my fans, my teammates, and even my opponents, I experienced an unforgettable day. My career is far from over, and I am determined to continue bringing joy to people. I still have more achievements I wish to accomplish as a footballer.”
According to numerous reports, Son is reportedly set to finalize his move to LAFC in Major League Soccer (MLS) within the next few days.
Son first joined Tottenham in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen for approximately $20 million, a transfer fee that made him the most expensive Asian player in Premier League history at the time. This season, he played a pivotal role in helping Spurs secure their first trophy in 17 years, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the final of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League.
Following the match, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe commented on his team`s participation in the guard of honor. He stated, “The reaction from my players was entirely instinctive. That alone speaks volumes about him. It`s not merely his talent but also the exemplary manner in which he has conducted himself throughout his career. He is rightfully regarded as one of the Premier League`s truly great players.”
