Jamie McAviney

Son Heung-min leaves Tottenham Hotspur as a winner, as a club legend. Bilbao will never be forgotten. Son’s a bona fide Spurs great for the goals, assists and skills, for the commitment, leadership and for that European trophy. For the smiles, too. Son brought so much joy to Spurs fans with the way he played and with his sunny demeanour. He brought so much to the Premier League.  Right decision to leave, Son’s 33 and slowing but inevitably a hugely emotional decision. Son’s been at Spurs a decade, 173 goals in 454 appearances and that record-making, goalscoring partnership with Harry Kane. Son was creator and finisher, at his best unstoppable as he darted in from the left, all balance, burst of pace and touch taking him past defenders, opening up the shooting opportunity. Opponents knew what was coming but too often, too quickly Son was upon them and past them. He was also tough and, as a few full-backs discovered, could look after himself.  Son leaves so many memories: that solo goal against Chelsea in 2018; that virtuoso goal against Burnley in 2019, beating seven players (voted Match of the Day’s Goal of the season and FIFA Puskas award); and so determined he played with a fracture to his arm and still scored twice against Villa in 2020. Son scored four goals in one game against Southampton and twice in a 6-1 rout of United at Old Trafford, both in 2020. He celebrated a century of PL goals in trademark style against Brighton in 2023, cutting in from the left and rifling a shot in; even scoring direct from a corner against United in 2024.  Accolades include PL Team of the Year 20/21, PL Golden Boot winner 21/22, three-time Spurs Player of the Season, and, most memorably, Europa League-winning captain. Good luck to Son in his next adventure, in MLS or wherever. #THFC