Is Spurs' Son Heung-Min Hinting At Retirement? Reveals '2026 World Cup Could Be My Last'
Son leaves Spurs after nearly a decade, seemingly set to join MLS' Los Angeles FC. The South Korean aims to prepare for what could possibly be his final FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Tottenham Hotspur legend Son Heung-min has confirmed his departure from the club after nearly a decade of loyal service — a move driven in part by his desire to prepare for what may be his final FIFA World Cup.
The South Korean forward, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with MLS side Los Angeles FC, leaves behind a remarkable legacy at Spurs.
With 173 goals and 101 assists in all competitions, Son, who joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2015 for a fee of £22 million, sits fourth on the club's list of all-time leading goalscorers — trailing only Harry Kane, Jimmy Greaves, and Bobby Smith.
Son was also the captain when Tottenham lifted their long-awaited first trophy in 17 years — a memorable victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final in May.
Reflecting on his departure, the 32-year-old said: 'It was the most difficult decision of my football career. I've been here ten years at a beautiful club with beautiful fans and having such amazing memories."
'When I first arrived at Tottenham 10 years ago, I was a young boy who couldn't even speak English well. I'm leaving now as a man. I believe timing is crucial in saying goodbye, and now feels like the right time."
'The World Cup is the most important. It could be my last World Cup, so it's crucial that I give it my all," Son said.
'Also important is finding a place where I can play football happily. That's what I'm contemplating."
Son made his senior international debut in 2010 against Syria, just before the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. He has since earned over 100 caps for South Korea, scoring 51 goals — second only to national legend Cha Bum-kun.
Despite winning gold with the U-23 team at the 2018 Asian Games, a major international title with the senior team has so far eluded him — a gap he hopes to fill on the global stage next year.
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