In the same summer that Harry Kane was walking around a golf course with Gary Neville, telling the world he wanted to leave Tottenham, Son Heung-min was quietly telling the club he would commit to them his peak years.
What followed, on the back of a new five-year contract, was the South Korean’s best season in a white shirt.
His reward for 24 goals was a Premier League Golden Boot. That is why his impending exit will be mourned far more than the departure of Kane two years ago.
Kane, like Son, is an infinitely likeable character, but when a player agitates for a move, bridges can sway, if not burn. Son’s bond with Tottenham’s fanbase has always been watertight.
Indeed, the only liquid spilt has been the tears that have flowed in the 24 hours since news broke that he is set to play his final game for the club this weekend, here in his native South Korea.
And it was Son himself who opened the emotional floodgates when he sat down in Seoul to confirm his wish to go, with Los Angeles FC the destination.
Son Heung-min publicly confirmed this week that he plans to leave Tottenham this summer
Son made the emotional announcement in his native South Korea, where Spurs are on tour
We are used to seeing the forward stop, wait and go again, usually with a posse of helpless defenders in his wake.
We will never forget his 80-yard dash and dribble to score against Burnley in 2019. This time, there was no such control. On more than one occasion he had to stop and gather his composure, so overcome was he by the message he was relaying.
‘Before we start,’ he said. ‘I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer.
‘Respectfully, this club is helping me to make my decision. I just want to share this before we start.’
He called it the start, but the only subject entertained in the business-room forum of the skyscraper that doubled as a media suite was, naturally, the end.
The end of a decade in north London — 454 games and 173 goals. And, belatedly, a first trophy in May.
That Son only arrived in the Europa League final victory over Manchester United as a second-half substitute speaks to part of the reason for his decision to move on — he knows the time is right.
So, too, do supporters, the club and new boss Thomas Frank. At 33, there is no shame in that. He has given them his best years, as he promised. But when he stops now, he doesn’t get going as quickly as he once did.
His most recent goal for Spurs — No 173 — came in March in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth
Son’s best Spurs strike came in 2019 when he dribbled almost the full length of the pitch before scoring against Burnley – a goal that won him the FIFA Puskas award the following year
What has not slowed, and what will never diminish, is the affection felt for him by the fans. Kane, Paul Gascoigne, Teddy Sheringham, David Ginola, each of them might feel somewhat unloved compared to theadoration for Son.
The hardest part of his decision had nothing to do with football or finance, really, but in leaving the place and the people he has come to call home.
‘It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career,’ he eventually went on.
‘I have been here for 10 years. It’s a beautiful club with beautiful fans. I have such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision. I just felt I needed a new environment to push myself, to get more out of me. I think I needed a little bit of change. Ten years is a long time.
‘I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, a very young age. A boy who couldn’t speak English. I leave as a grown man. So thank you to all the Spurs fans who have given me so much love. It felt like it was my home.
‘But I think it is the right time to leave. I hope that everyone understands that and respects that.’
Son also revealed that his decision came long before this tour of the Far East, which will culminate against Newcastle in front of a sell-out 66,000 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday.
‘It’s been quite a while since I decided to leave the club,’ he said. ‘The recent days and weeks have been difficult for me.
Son previously enjoyed amazing on-field chemistry with record Spurs goalscorer Harry Kane
Kane scored more goals for Spurs than Son but the South Korean is perhaps a bigger club icon
‘Although I shared it with close friends, it was difficult to stay private on the outside because I’m still the same person, so it shows what’s on the inside. Even in such situations, I did my best to not harm the club or my team-mates.’
Son, say those close to the club, was clearly more subdued in Hong Kong last week. And, with such an affable guy, that probably is noticeable.
For what we will miss most about him is as much theperson as it is the player. He has been a credit to himself, Tottenham and, by extension, English football.
You can be certain that those Newcastle fans at the game will applaud his contribution with genuine respect.
A few hours after Son left the business forum, pursued by what felt like the entire South Korean press pack, Eddie Howe spoke glowingly of him.
‘I think he is one of the legends of the Premier League,’ said the Newcastle boss.
‘I’ve never spent time with him, but he seems like an incredible professional and an incredible person. It will be a great moment to share his last game for Tottenham.’
Newcastle will no doubt be grateful for the spotlight to be on Son, so pained has their pre-season been.
But gratitude is what we all should feel. Son calls it a pleasure to have spent a decade in the Premier League. The pleasure was all ours.
