Seoul: Newcastle United's preseason match against Tottenham Hotspur in Seoul on Sunday will take on extra significance for football fans in South Korea after Tottenham's South Korean captain Son Heung-min announced Saturday he will leave the Premier League club this summer. The match at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. Sunday could be Son's final one with the North London club, and Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said on the eve of the match that he was looking forward to being part of it all.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Howe expressed his admiration for Son during a prematch press conference in Seoul on Saturday, describing him as a legend of the Premier League. "I've never spent time with him, but he seems like an incredible professional and an incredible person. So it'll be a really great moment to share his last game for Tottenham against us, and hopefully, it's a memorable occasion for him," Howe stated.

Howe, who previously managed AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, faced Son numerous times since the South Korean star began his English career in 2015. He praised Son's pace, dribbling ability, and consistent performance, labeling him as one of the best players in the league. "The biggest test, I think, for a player's ability is consistency and longevity, and he's been able to do that consistently every year," Howe added.

Newcastle's new South Korean player, Park Seung-soo, accompanied Howe at the press conference, expressing respect for Son's decision to leave Tottenham. "I am sure it must not have been an easy decision," Park said, adding that he hopes to swap shirts with Son during the match.

Newcastle recently experienced a 1-0 defeat against Team K League, a squad of South Korean league All-Stars, at Suwon World Cup Stadium. The team aims to end their three-match losing streak in the preseason against Tottenham, the UEFA Europa League winners. "I think it should be a really good game, two high-quality teams on show," Howe remarked.

The match is part of the annual Coupang Play Series, which has been hosting European clubs for preseason friendlies in South Korea since 2022. This marks Newcastle's first visit to South Korea, while it is Tottenham's third appearance.