SEOUL:
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min mentioned on Saturday that he’ll go away the membership this summer season after a decade in north London.
The 33-year-old attacker joined the Premier League facet from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and went on to play greater than 450 instances for Spurs.
In Might he lifted the Europa League trophy however he had a poor season total by his excessive requirements and struggled with a collection of leg accidents.
“Earlier than we begin the press convention I wished to say I’ve determined to depart the membership this summer season,” the South Korean instructed reporters in Seoul, the place Tottenham are on a pre-season tour.
“Respectfully the membership helps me with this determination.”
Son, who has scored 173 objectives for Spurs, didn’t say the place he intends to go subsequent and minimize an emotional determine.
He has been linked with a transfer to the MLS in the US.
“It was probably the most tough determination I’ve made in my profession. Such wonderful reminiscences. It was so arduous to make the choice,” Son mentioned, flanked by new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank.
“I would like a brand new atmosphere to push myself. I would like somewhat little bit of change — 10 years is a very long time. I got here to north London as a child, 23 years previous, such a younger age.
“I go away this membership as a grown man, a really proud man.”
Talking in Korean, Son mentioned that profitable a European trophy — Tottenham’s first European crown in 41 years — performed “a giant half” in his considering.
“Successful a title in Europe felt like I had achieved every little thing I presumably may,” he mentioned.
“I spent numerous time reflecting on whether or not I wished to expertise soccer in a distinct atmosphere, and I had these conversations with myself time and again.”
Frank, who joined Spurs from Brentford in June, paid tribute to the South Korean skipper.
“For me, personally, I might have liked to have labored with this unbelievable individual and participant,” mentioned the Dane, who took over from the sacked Ange Postecoglou.
“He’s a real Spurs legend in each side, one of many best gamers to play within the Premier League.”
Spurs will face Newcastle United on Sunday in Seoul, and Son is assured a rapturous reception in entrance of his residence followers.
Spurs have had a reasonably quiet summer season within the switch market thus far, with attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham their solely main acquisition.
Morgan Gibbs-White had appeared set to comply with from Nottingham Forest however a £60 million transfer broke down.
