Captain Son Heung-min announced on Saturday that he will be leaving Tottenham Hotspur after a decade of service in north London in what is a very emotional farewell. The winger, who scored 173 goals in 454 competitive appearances for the club, said the occasion was hard to take as he departs for America.
“Spurs fans, you are always in my pictures. Every time I celebrate, I make a memory of you. It’s our moment. I make the frame so I don’t forget.
“You welcomed me to North London. You watched me grow. Beautiful moments: The Golden Boot, the Puskas Award, you were there. When I suffered, you were still there. You stayed with me, and I stayed with you.”
Last season, he captained the club to its first title in 17 years, hoisting the Europa League in Bilbao in dramatic fashion as they beat Manchester United 1-0. The Chuncheon-born attacker expanded on his goodbye on Instagram, stating that his mission was accomplished as he refered to the Europa League victory.
“When I arrived in 2015, I didn’t speak English, I didn’t know London, but you welcomed me with open arms, believed in me, and stood by me through every high and low.
“I was just a boy from Korea with big dreams who was supposed to have no chance. And now, 10 years later, North London is in my heart forever.
“I’ve poured my heart and soul into this club, which makes this the hardest decision ever. I thought if I was ever going to leave, it would have to be on my terms, on the best terms, when our mission had been accomplished together.”
Son could make his LAFC debut as early as Saturday as his new side face Chicago Fire in what should be a tough affair.