Son Heung-min has announced that he will leave Tottenham this summer following a decade with the Premier League side, with the South Korean forward holding an emotional press conference on the club's pre-season tour of his home country
Daniel Orme Football Writer and Vince Soodin Assistant Editor (Digital)
08:03, 02 Aug 2025Updated 08:05, 02 Aug 2025
Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min looked on verge of tears at press conference
Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min looked on verge of tears at press conference(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham skipper Son Heung-min revealed in an emotional press conference that he will be parting ways with the club this summer, while on their pre-season tour in his native South Korea.
In a heartfelt statement, he expressed: "Thank you for having us again here in Korea for the second year in a row. Everybody really appreciates it. It's just incredible. Yesterday at the airport we felt the welcome. Everybody loved this and can't wait to play tomorrow."
Son continued, breaking the news: "Before we start, 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."
Opening up about the tough decision to leave North London, he added: "It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. I have spent 10 years at Tottenham. The main reason is I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge. I'm grateful the club have respected my decision and wish Spurs well for the next season."
Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min is set to leave Spurs(Image: Getty Images)
Son's departure comes after a remarkable decade-long stint with Spurs, having signed from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. During his tenure, he has netted 173 goals in over 450 appearances, reports the Mirror.
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Under his leadership, Spurs also lifted the Europa League title last season. The announcement might have come as a shock, but Son confessed that he has been contemplating an exit for some time, and had emotional conversations with his teammates about it.
"I've only had a chat with a few lads, those I've been with for a long time," revealed Son. "Naturally, they're gutted, as you'd expect from friends or team-mates when someone decides to move on, but they understand. I'm particularly close with Ben [Davies] so we've had many a conversation about what lies ahead.
"He fully respects my decision, as do the rest of the lads. What can I say? It was incredibly tough to break the news to my team-mates. I probably spend more time with them than my own family, given all the travelling and hours we put in at the training ground each day."
HONG KONG, CHINA - JULY 31: Max Dowman of Arsenal (R) handles the ball against Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur (C) during to the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur: at Kai Tak Stadium, Kai Tak Sports Park on July 31, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur (C) during to the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
"We know each other inside out. Everyone was disappointed but also genuinely pleased for me. That was my impression, though I can't be sure what they were truly feeling! They seemed happy yet saddened when I shared my decision."
Son continued: "It's been some time since I made up my mind to leave the club. It hasn't been an easy period for me. I always strive to stay upbeat and I'm at my happiest when I'm playing footie, but it's no small feat to leave a club where I've spent a decade without a heavy heart.
"I tried not to let my decision affect the others, didn't want to stir up any drama, but it was bound to be noticed, that people picked up on my feelings. My fans even know my quirks, so they would have spotted something was up, but I'll aim to enjoy the two days while I'm still here."
Thomas Frank and Son Heung-min
Son is set to leave ahead of Thomas Frank's first season in charge(Image: Getty Images)
Son, 31, has another year left on his current deal and has caught the attention of various clubs, including Major League Soccer team LAFC. When questioned about his potential next move, he chose not to reveal too much but did acknowledge he'd prefer to sign with a club that helps his prospects of featuring in the next summer's World Cup.
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He said: "For now it's to focus on tomorrow's match. I would not give many comments on the next team. Obviously I would like to focus on tomorrow's match and the future and the next team will be decided afterwards. In choosing the next team, the World Cup will definitely be one of the key points that I will consider. It might be my last World Cup so I need my new environment to give all that I've got for my football career. As well as the World Cup, I will also need to find a team that will make me happy while playing football."