Son Heung-Min Announces Departure From Tottenham After A Decade - OsunDefender

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Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-Min has announced that he will leave the club this summer, bringing an end to his ten-year stay in North London.

The 33-year-old forward, who joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, confirmed his decision during a press conference in Seoul on Saturday, where the team is currently on a pre-season tour.

"Before we start the press conference, I wanted to say I have decided to leave the club this summer," Son told reporters.

"Respectfully the club is helping me with this decision."

Son, who has scored 173 goals in more than 450 appearances for Tottenham, admitted it was an emotional choice.

"It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision.

"I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change -- 10 years is a long time. I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man," he said.

The South Korean skipper did not reveal his next destination, though he has been linked with a move to the MLS in the United States.

Son, who helped Spurs lift the Europa League trophy in May -- their first European title in 41 years -- said that winning the competition was a key factor in his decision.

"Winning a title in Europe felt like I had achieved everything I possibly could. I spent a lot of time reflecting on whether I wanted to experience football in a different environment, and I had those conversations with myself over and over again."

New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou in June, paid tribute to the departing captain. "For me, personally, I would have loved to have worked with this fantastic person and player," the Dane said. "He is a true Spurs legend in every aspect, one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League."

Spurs, who have signed West Ham's Mohammed Kudus as their only major acquisition this summer, will face Newcastle United on Sunday in Seoul, where Son is expected to receive a hero's farewell from home fans.