Son Heung-min Departs Tottenham Hotspur After a Decade of Service

Son Heung-min, the South Korean forward, is leaving Tottenham Hotspur after a decade of exceptional service. The 33-year-old's departure marks the end of an era for Spurs, having made 454 appearances and scoring 173 goals since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. His final act of glory was helping the team secure victory in the Europa League final against Manchester United earlier this year, ending the club's 17-year trophy drought.

A Decade of Dedication and Impact

Son's arrival in North London was initially met with some uncertainty, but he quickly established himself as a key player and fan favourite. His pace, skill, and clinical finishing made him a constant threat to opposing defences. Beyond his on-field contributions, Son's character and humility endeared him to teammates and supporters alike.

"I'm not sure we'll see another Sonny at Tottenham," said Kevin Wimmer, Son's former teammate, to BBC Sport. "To be at one club - especially one as big as Spurs - for 10 years in this day and age is a very special achievement."

Iconic Moments and Lasting Memories

Spurs fans will fondly remember Son's numerous outstanding moments, including his Puskas Award-winning solo goal against Burnley in 2019. The goal saw him run from his own penalty area, evading tackles, before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

Micky Hazard, a Tottenham legend who won the FA Cup (1982) and UEFA Cup (1984) with the club, added, "We love players who give so much to this club. Sonny will always be worshipped in these parts."

A Leader On and Off the Pitch

Son's influence extended beyond the pitch. He was known for his generosity and team spirit. During Tottenham's pre-season tour of South Korea in 2022, he treated the entire team to a Korean barbecue and gave personal gifts to everyone, showcasing his pride in his home country and his appreciation for his teammates.

South Korea's National Treasure

Son's impact transcends club football. In South Korea, he is a national icon, often compared to K-pop stars like BTS and Blackpink in terms of brand value and popularity. His matches are broadcast live with a special Son icon displayed on screen, and his image adorns billboards and buses throughout the country.

Sungmo Lee, a South Korean football journalist, explained, "There has been research about who has the best brand value among all South Korean people, and Son is almost always in the top three along with top K-pop stars like BTS and Blackpink. One of the reasons for that is South Korean people regard him as the national treasure and pride of the country."

"Sonmania" - A Rock Star Reception

Kyle Walker, who played with Son at Tottenham, recalled a promotional visit to Seoul, stating, "I've never seen anything like it. We'd do an appearance and then we'd have to use decoy vehicles to get away because fans would try and stop the traffic. They all wanted to catch a glimpse of Sonny."

Wimmer echoed this sentiment, likening being with Son to "being in the company of a rock star."

A Legacy Forged in North London

Despite the highs, Son also experienced disappointments during his time at Spurs, including the Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019 and the EFL Cup final loss to Manchester City in 2021. He also faced criticism for a tackle on Andre Gomes in 2019, which resulted in a serious injury for the Everton player. However, his resilience and determination shone through, as he continued to win individual awards and lead the team.

While his goalscoring output dipped slightly in his final season, with seven Premier League goals in 30 appearances, his contribution to the Europa League victory solidified his place in Tottenham history.

The Future for Son

Son is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer. While his departure will undoubtedly be felt by Tottenham fans, his legacy as one of the club's greatest players is secure.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes that while there may be a slight financial impact on Tottenham, the club's overall performance is more crucial. "While it will be a blow for Spurs fans in terms of memories because Son has been a magnificent player for them, the difference between finishing 16th and 17th in the table is £3.5m. Over the course of the season, that's more important than shirt sales from one player."

Regardless of his future endeavours, Son Heung-min's impact on Tottenham Hotspur and the wider football world will be remembered for years to come. He leaves as a legend, a role model, and a true inspiration to aspiring footballers across Asia.