Son Heung-min set to leave Tottenham Hotspur, hints at international retirement post 2026 World Cup
Son is under contract with Spurs until 2026 and has led the club to their first trophy in 17 years with their win over Manchester United in the Europa League final in May, having joined the North London club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.
'I have decided to leave the team this summer,' he said at a press conference ahead of Spurs' pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul on Sunday.
'I think it was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made in my football career. Playing football and being with one team for 10 years is something I am very proud of, but I think I gave my all to the team every single day. I did my best on the field and off the field, and by winning the Europa League, I thought I'd done everything I could and achieved,' he added.
South Korea's Son has spent a decade at the Premier League side, scoring 173 goals in 454 appearances. He also won the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season. '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,' he said.
Speaking on his international career, Son said, 'The World Cup is the most important. It could be my last World Cup, so it's crucial that I give it my all. Also important is finding a place where I can play football happily. That's what I'm contemplating.'
While the South Korean did not disclose his next destination, British media have linked him with a move to Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC.
'It was the place where I grew a lot as a football player and a person, so I have a very grateful heart.'
Manager Thomas Frank said Son was 'truly Spurs legend in every aspect'. 'I like that the club has been open to it because it is never, never easy to find that perfect timing … I think it is probably the perfect timing going out on a high,' he added.
Son made his senior international debut against Syria and has 51 international goals to his name, which is the second-highest ever in South Korean football, after Cha Bum-kun.
(With Reuters inputs)
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