Son Heung-min could not hold back his tears during his final game for Tottenham, which marked the end of his 10-year association with the club.
Thomas Frank’s side wrapped up their Far East tour with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in Seoul – poetically located in Son’s homeland of South Korea.
Brennan Johnson scored Spurs’ only goal of the game, opening the scoring within seven minutes, before Harvey Barnes pulled one back for Newcastle late in the first half.
The waterworks began when Son was withdrawn in the 65th minute of the game. The 33-year-old shared an embrace with each of his team-mates on the field, with many Newcastle players also consoling him.
65,000 fans in the Seoul World Cup Stadium rose to honour their country’s hero with a standing ovation, while Son was given a guard of honour on the pitch.
Taking it all in, the forward waved to the crowd and wiped his eyes as he exited the field, making way for Mohammed Kudus.
Son Heung-min broke down in tears as he exited the field in his final match for Tottenham
The 33-year-old played his final match for the club in Seoul, South Korea – his home country – in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United
The love continued on the bench, with the rest of Son’s team-mates appearing to share warm words and congratulations.
At full-time, the winger said one final goodbye to Tottenham fans, and was hoisted into the air by his team-mates to bid him farewell.
Son scored 173 goals from 454 appearances for Tottenham after joining the club for £22million from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.
He was included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in 2020-21 and was the joint-winner of the Premier League Golden Boot award in 2021-22.
On three occasions Son was named Tottenham’s Player of the Season – in 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2021-22. He is regarded as one of the greatest Asian football players ever.
Son won his first trophy when appearing as a second-half substitute during the 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final in May. This turned out to be his last competitive appearance for the club.
Mail Sport understands Spurs are discussing a deal for Son with MLS club Los Angeles FC, although the value is thought to be less than what they would receive from Saudi Arabia, where clubs have also expressed an interest.
But Son is thought to want to experience life in the United States.
The winger choked back tears in front of reporters as he announced his departure on Saturday
Son joined Spurs 10 years ago and lifted his first trophy with the club at the end of last season
Son scored 173 goals from 454 appearances for Tottenham after joining the club for £22million from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015
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Speaking at press conference on Saturday, a tearful Son described choosing to leave Spurs as ‘one of the hardest decisions’ of his career.
‘I have decided to leave the club this summer. Respectfully the club is helping me with this decision,’ Son said.
‘It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision.
‘I came to north London as a kid – a very young age, a young boy came to London who even didn’t speak English. Leaving this club as a grown man is a very, very proud moment.’
