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"Will be remembered as one of the greatest players in the league" - Premier League X -

"A legend with a lovable personality added to all records" - UK Sky Sports -

"Son Heungmin was Tottenham itself, and Tottenham was Son Heungmin" - Vice Captain James Madison -

"Today, I will break tradition and evaluate his entire time at Tottenham. A perfect score of 10" - UK 'Football London' Alasdair Gold -

Yonhap News

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Son Heungmin is shedding tears after being substituted out in the second half during the 2025 Coupang Play Series friendly match against Newcastle United held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News

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After the friendly, Son Heungmin expressed his gratitude to his teammates in the mixed zone for the warm farewell. "I really thought I wouldn't cry today, but leaving a team I've been with for so long wasn't easy," he said. He added, "I'm also extremely grateful to the fans. Even I don't know how I became a player who is loved this much, but I think it's mostly thanks to the fans." He continued, "I'm very thankful when people say I worked hard, but my football career is not over. I will keep working hard to bring you more joy in the future."

Son, who started the match as a left winger, was substituted in the 63rd minute for Mohammed Kudus (Ghana). When the Tottenham bench signaled for his substitution, the entire stadium gave him a standing ovation. Not only the Tottenham squad but also the Newcastle United players lined up in the center of the pitch to bid him farewell. Son hugged each teammate and staff member, shedding tears.

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Over the past decade, Son Heungmin enjoyed his prime at Tottenham. He was the club's most beloved 'icon' and stood as a representative Korean brand, like Samsung or Hyundai Motor Company. Compared to Chelsea or Arsenal, Tottenham was a relatively small London club, but with Son's talent, it grew into a globally popular team.

He played 454 matches for Tottenham, scoring 173 goals and providing 101 assists. He ranks fifth in Tottenham's all-time scoring list. Son also holds the record for the most assists (71) by a Tottenham player in the EPL.

Last season, he lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy, ending Tottenham's 17-year drought without a major title. Although he often said, "I'm not world class," after winning the Europa League, Son commented, "At least for today, I think I can call myself a club legend."

According to SpursWeb, which reported Tottenham news last May, Son Heungmin's UEL jersey was sold for 48,907 euros (approximately 76 million won) on the jersey auction site MatchOneShirts. SpursWeb stated that the winning bidder is Korean, and the winning bid is the third highest amount ever on MatchOneShirts. Previously, superstar Lionel Messi's (Inter Miami) jerseys were sold for higher amounts of 49,400 pounds (approximately 91 million won) and 44,500 pounds (approximately 81.92 million won), respectively, than Son Heungmin's jersey. /AFP Yonhap News Agency, MatchOneShirts capture

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Afterwards, speculation about Son Heungmin's next move has centered on a transfer to Los Angeles FC (LAFC). Although nothing has been officially announced, based on reports from Europe and the US and the overall sentiment in the football world, a move to LAFC is widely considered only a matter of time.

Before the match, Son confirmed his departure from Tottenham but refrained from commenting on his next destination. European football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on social media, "Son Heungmin's transfer to LAFC is in the final paperwork stage."

"It was not an easy decision. I achieved everything I could in 10 years."

"When I came to England, I was a young boy who couldn't speak English well, and now I am leaving as a grown adult."

"What kind of fortune did I receive to grow into this kind of player and become a player loved by so many?"

"Being at Tottenham for 10 years, I felt happy knowing that I was still a player who influenced and helped the team."