The first Asian to become a genuine Premier League star, Son Heung-min raised Spurs’ profile in the region. Now they must kick on without him
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ust as opposing fans in the Premier League have experienced feelings of dread over the past decade when Son Heung-min picked up the ball on the edge of their area, there had been a summer of worry among his millions of followers in Asia that his time in England was coming to an end.
As the South Korean’s legs slowed last season, reports of a move elsewhere gathered pace. His 10 years at Tottenham may have ended with a trophy, the Europa League in May, but the legacy had been in place for some time. The 33-year-old has changed the way Asian players are perceived around the world and much more besides.
“It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career,” an emotional Son said at a Seoul press conference on Saturday before Sunday’s pre-season exhibition against Newcastle. “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.”
