Latest news with #SonHeung-Min
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sky News AU
‘An incredible privilege': Tottenham players deliver emotional tributes to spurs 'legend' Ange Postecoglou after shock sacking
Spurs captain Son Heung-Min has joined more than half a dozen Tottenham players who have paid tribute to outgoing Australian manager Ange Postecoglou following his shock sacking. Tottenham shocked the football world on Friday when they confirmed the club were terminating Postecoglou's contract, just two weeks after the club won the Europa Cup. In announcing its decision, Tottenham said that while they were 'extremely grateful' their 59-year-old Greek-Australian manager secured the North London club its first trophy in 17 years, but that they could not base their decision on 'emotions aligned to this triumph', citing the team's poor performance in the league. The decision has angered many Spurs fans, and over the past two days, multiple players have come out with strong statements of support and appreciation for the outgoing manager. Writing on Instagram, Captain Son Heung-min said it had been an 'incredible honour' to play for Postecoglou, who he said would forever be considered a 'legend' of the club. 'Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club. You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did,' Son said. 'You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life.' 'You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you.' England International James Maddison also heaped praise on Postecoglou, crediting his 'winning mentality' as the reason for the club's Europa Cup triumph. "Your unwavering self-belief and strong mindset is infectious and a massive reason in why you were the man to end this club's 17-year drought for a trophy," Maddison wrote on Instagram. "A family man with great morals and I have honestly learnt so much from you. More than you will probably ever know.' Other players to write messages of support to the Australian manager included fullback Pedro Porro, who thanked him for 'mentoring' him and for the support he showed to the playing group. 'Thank you for everything, boss. I'll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows,' Porro said. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario described Postecoglou as a 'real leader' who he knew would go on to achieve more and more success. "You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I'll always look up to,' Vicario said. Spurs' Brazilian forward Richarlison thanked Postecoglou for believing in him and helping him through 'one of the trickiest periods' of both his career and his life. Netherlands international and Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven also praised Postecoglou for always believing in the team throughout the club's many ups and downs, while Spurs striker Dominic Solanke spoke about how they had 'achieved a dream'. Postecoglou had raised the ire of commentators late last year when he confidently declared, "I always win things in my second year". But he delivered the goods on May 22 when Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final. Tottenham acknowledged the scale of the Triumph but said they had made the decision to terminate Postecoglou's contract 'following a review of performances and after significant reflection'. 'We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy… However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place,' the club said. The club pointed to the team's poor performance in the league, where they finished in 17th place, the club's 'worst-ever' finish since the Premier League was formed in 1992 'Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph,' the club said. 'This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.' Postecoglou said in a statement that he would feel 'forever connected' to the North London club. 'When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride,' he said in a statement after the sacking. 'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.' The Greek-born manager also paid tribute to the club's fans and said the hardest part of exiting the franchise was leaving its supporters, admitting there are 'difficult times' ahead for the team. 'And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years,' Postecoglou said. 'A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special'.
Sinar Daily
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Son Heung-min: A decade of loyalty culminates in tears of European glory
SHAH ALAM – After a decade of heartbreak, near-misses and relentless determination, Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-Min finally tasted the sweet nectar of European glory. South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min shared a deeply personal and emotional message on Instagram following Tottenham's stunning 1-0 victory at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min shared a deeply personal and emotional message on Instagram following Tottenham's stunning 1-0 victory at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. Photo: Instagram/@hm_son7 The North London club's win over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final was more than just a trophy. It marked the emotional climax of a career built on loyalty, perseverance and unshakable belief. The Europa League final win, Tottenham's first major trophy since 2008, was historic — but for Son, it was life-defining. 'I've dreamed of moments like this since the day I joined this club. Yesterday was a day I'll remember for the rest of my life. To lift this trophy, in this shirt, with you behind us... it means more than I can put just here in a social media post. But I can try. What a feeling,' he wrote on his Instagram post. Having joined Spurs in 2015, Son had been a consistent presence through many of the club's challenging years — enduring lost finals, changing managers, teammates coming and going and even a near-relegation battle this season. The Spurs captain, often regarded as one of the Premier League's most beloved players, made sure to credit those who stood by him throughout his career. 'This is for every Spurs supporter who has waited, hoped and stayed loyal. "When me or the team have struggled, for those who kept singing, kept showing up, kept pushing us on, kept believing — this is for you. We did it together. From White Hart Lane to our new home, to Bilbao and back. We are champions, and that is forever,' he said. Son's path to this moment was not without hardship. Despite being one of the club's brightest stars, he had never lifted a trophy since his professional debut in 2010 with Hamburger SV. He lost in the 2019 Champions League final and the 2021 EFL Cup final, both with Spurs. At 32, and with his form dipping this season, many wondered if his time had passed. Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean forward Son Heung-min raises the trophy as he celebrates with teammates winning the UEFA Europa League final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at San Mames stadium in Bilbao on May 21. (Photo by Thomas COEX/AFP) 'We had some tough games, but I always believed we could win this tournament. Credit to all the boys – they've been outstanding from day one,' Son told the club's official website. Spurs had endured a dismal domestic campaign, sitting 17th in the Premier League and clinging to just one spot above relegation with one game left. Yet, against all odds, the team rose to the occasion on the European stage. Brennan Johnson's 42nd-minute goal proved decisive against Manchester United, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory. In a twist of fate, Son did not start the final. He came on as a substitute in the 67th minute, replacing Richarlison. Despite not making the starting XI, Son's leadership and presence were unmistakable. He rallied his teammates, embraced the fans and ultimately lifted the trophy that had long eluded him. Perhaps it was written in the stars for Son and the Spurs that the devotion and perseverance of one of the Premier League's most prolific yet unrewarded players would soon lead his team to their first Europa League glory and, in doing so, cement his legacy as an all-time great. With this triumph, Son joins the ranks of true Spurs legends. He accomplished what even stars like Harry Kane, Luka Modrić, and Gareth Bale never achieved at Tottenham — lifting a European trophy and etching his name in both club and Premier League history. 'I scored the first goal in the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I'm captain of this club, and now we've won the Europa League. In ten years, I've done special things I'll never, ever forget,' Son reminisced. South Korea erupted in celebration, as their national icon — one of the most influential sporting figures in the country — finally held aloft European silverware. It was a proud moment not just for Tottenham fans, but for an entire nation. In light of his contract extension with the North London club, the fairy tale may not be over, as Son hinted that more could come. Whatever the future holds, the image of Son lifting the Europa League trophy — eyes glistening with tears, heart full of pride — will remain one of football's most poignant moments of 2025.
The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Son Heung-min ‘could LEAVE Tottenham' as club look to cash in for squad transfer overhaul
TOTTENHAM legend Son Heung-min is set to leave the club, according to reports. The Spurs skipper lifted the Europa League in what could prove to be his final appearance. 1 Son Heung-Min looks set to leave Spurs Credit: Getty Son has been in North London for the last ten years, playing 454 games and scoring 173 goals. But his time now appears to be up as Tottenham are looking to cash-in on him before his contract expires this time next year. Clubs from Saudi Arabia are interested in a deal for the Korean winger. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Chiefs view him as a "recognisable world star" that could boost the Pro League's growth in Asia. Tottenham triggered a one-year extension in Son's contract in January. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at Most read in Football
Scottish Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Son Heung-min wanted in mega-money Saudi transfer and Tottenham would consider cashing in on club legend
Saudi have moved for Son after missing out on Prem rival WAIT FOR A MIN Son Heung-min wanted in mega-money Saudi transfer and Tottenham would consider cashing in on club legend TOTTENHAM ace Son Heung-Min is being chased by clubs in Saudi Arabia. And sources close to Spurs say the club WOULD consider selling their captain if a massive offer comes their way this summer. 3 Son Heung-Min is the latest Premier League star being chased by clubs in Saudi The Tottenham skipper remains a hugely popular figure at the North London club, despite his drop off in form this season. The 32-year-old signed a contract extension in January and is believed to be happy to stay, after Spurs' Europa League triumph secured Champions League football next season. But uncertainty over Ange Postecoglou's future, and the chance to leave Spurs on a high, could persuade Son that now is the perfect moment to take on a new challenge. Daniel Levy will green-light a major shake up of the squad, although it's unclear whether Postecoglou will be trusted to oversee it or not. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Luk away Eni Aluko snubbed by ITV for Lionesses' first match since Ian Wright row And although Spurs have secured a lucrative Champions League spot, a mega-money offer for Son would help to bankroll new signings. The South Korean winger has been identified by the billionaire-backers of the league as a superstar target, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave Al-Nassr. Chiefs believe Son can open the Saudi Pro League up to a whole new audience in the Far East, where he is adored and a national icon. Saudi League owners had hoped to persuade Mo Salah to join this summer. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But the Egyptian has remained in the Premier League having signed a new bumper deal at champions Liverpool. That's led to Saudi switching their attention to Son, who has suffered this season with injuries. 3 Son helped end Spurs' 17-year major trophy drought last week Uefa awkwardly RUN OUT of Europa League winners' medals as Son and Romero among Tottenham stars to miss out Son used to be Tottenham's ever-present and was a constant source of goals and assists down the years. But like many of his team-mates, he has been off the pace this term, scoring just 11 goals in all competitions. Son just ended his 10th season in North London and second with the armband after Hugo Lloris left for the MLS last summer. Meanwhile, the Saudi's have given Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes a few days to make his mind up. Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are willing to pay around £100million for Fernandes, 30, and will offer him a whopping £700,000 a week to ditch Old Trafford for the Middle East.
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Son Heung-min wanted in mega-money Saudi transfer and Tottenham would consider cashing in on club legend
TOTTENHAM ace Son Heung-Min is being chased by clubs in Saudi Arabia. And sources close to Spurs say the club WOULD consider selling their captain if a massive offer comes their way this summer . Advertisement 3 Son Heung-Min is the latest Premier League star being chased by clubs in Saudi The London club, despite his drop off in form this season. The 32-year-old signed a contract extension in January and is believed to be happy to stay, after Spurs' Europa League triumph secured Champions League football next season. But uncertainty over Ange Postecoglou's future, and the chance to leave Spurs on a high, could persuade Son that now is the perfect moment to take on a new challenge. Daniel Levy will green-light a major shake up of the squad, although it's unclear whether Postecoglou will be trusted to oversee it or not. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS And although Spurs have secured a lucrative Champions League spot, a mega-money offer for Son would help to bankroll new signings. The South Korean winger has been identified by the billionaire-backers of the league as a superstar target , with Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave Al-Nassr. Chiefs believe Son can open the Saudi Pro League up to a whole new audience in the Far East, where he is adored and a national icon. Saudi League owners had hoped to persuade Mo Salah to join this summer. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But the Egyptian has remained in the Premier League having signed a new bumper deal at champions Liverpool. That's led to Saudi switching their attention to Son, who has suffered this season with injuries. 3 Son helped end Spurs' 17-year major trophy drought last week Advertisement Uefa awkwardly RUN OUT of Europa League winners' medals as Son and Romero among Tottenham stars to miss out Son used to be Tottenham's ever-present and was a constant source of goals and assists down the years. But like many of his team-mates, he has been off the pace this term, scoring just 11 goals in all competitions . Son just ended his 10th season in North London and second with the armband after Hugo Lloris left for the MLS last summer . Meanwhile, the Saudi's have given Manchester United ace Advertisement Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are , 30, and will offer him a whopping £700,000 a week to ditch Old Trafford for the Middle East. 3 Son's Premier League stats dropped off this season
