Son Heung-min Shocks Spurs with Emotional Exit After Europa Glory

Son Heung-min is leaving Spurs (Image: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)

So here we are. The end of Son Heung-min's time at Tottenham . The influential attacker will bring down the curtain on his time in north London after ending in glory in Bilbao.

It was an emotional day for all concerned with Spurs , beating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final to finally bring to an end a long trophy drought - too long a time for a club of Tottenham's stature.

But as with all bad, so too must all good things come to an end. While rumours had been circulating about Son's future since that trophy lift in Bilbao, it is still a shock to see the Spurs captain announce that he is looking to leave the club.

There has been so much change at Spurs over the last few years that it does feel like one piece of the bedrock connecting the old Tottenham to the new - from White Hart Lane to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Mauricio Pochettino to Thomas Frank and struggle to glory - is shifting.

With such a big decision made, there are naturally questions from fans - the clearest of which is, naturally, why? Son said that while the decision had been tough, after lifting the trophy in Spain it is "the right time" to leave.

"It was so hard to make the decision," he added. "I just felt like I needed a new environment to push myself to get more out of me I think I needed a little bit of change. 10 years is a long time.

"I came to north London as a kid. Twenty-three years old, a very young age. A boy who couldn't speak English. I leave this club as a grown man. Thank you to all the Spurs fans who have given me so much love.

"It felt like it was my home, it was one of the toughest decisions I ever made. "I think it is the right time to leave, I hope that everyone understands that and respects that.

"It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. I have spent ten 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 looks set to move to America, with various MLS teams interested in a move. However, talks seem to be advanced with LAFC over a move , with the player understood to be keen on completing the switch.

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