Seoul: A day after announcing his decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur, South Korean football icon Son Heung-min bid an emotional farewell to fans in his homeland on Sunday. Son started Spurs' preseason match against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium and played for 65 minutes. This marked Tottenham's third trip to South Korea in four summers for preseason matches, and it was charged with emotion due to Son's imminent departure from the Premier League club he has been part of for the past decade.
According to Yonhap News Agency, 64,773 fans braved humid and rainy conditions to catch a final glimpse of Son in his Spurs kit. The stands were a sea of white "Son 7" shirts, with fans holding signs to express their sadness over his departure and pride in his successful 10-year career in London. The stadium, with a capacity of 66,000, was nearly full 40 minutes before kickoff, and Son received huge cheers from the early arrivals when he led his team out for the prematch warmup.
The loudest ovation was reserved for Son during the player introductions, accompanied by Motley Crue's "Kickstart My Heart" over the PA system. As the match began, fans broke into the club's chant, "When the Spurs Go Marching In," and a Korean Spurs fan led Son's cheer song, "Nice One, Sonny!" with a trumpet in the eighth minute.
Son was twice ruled offside early in the match as teammates attempted to send him on fast breaks. He won a free kick outside the box after the half-hour mark, but boos erupted when Pedro Porro took the kick instead. Son had a chance in the 36th minute, but his attempt was blocked by Newcastle defender Fabian Schar. Throughout the match, Son faced double and triple teams, with Newcastle determined not to be sidelined.
In the 65th minute, Son was substituted for Mohammed Kudus, prompting a teary farewell. He hugged teammates, and even Newcastle players congratulated him on his Spurs career. As he walked off the pitch to Megadeth's "Tornado of Souls," Son handed his captain's armband to Ben Davies and acknowledged fans with tears in his eyes.
Son shared emotional moments with the reserves and coaches, particularly with South Korean teammate Yang Min-hyeok. Despite trying to compose himself, Son was moved again when shown on the stadium's scoreboards. Although the goal many hoped for did not materialize, fans witnessed Son's last performance with Tottenham on home soil.
Light showers marked the first half, but the weather held for the match. Following the final whistle, rain fell, yet it failed to dampen spirits. A tribute video played as Son did a lap around the stadium, waving, clapping, and blowing kisses to emotional fans. Teammates later tossed him in the air before he headed to the lockers.
Tottenham has two more matches before the Premier League season begins, with games against Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. It remains uncertain if Son will participate in these matches. Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank suggested this was "most likely" Son's final game for the club.
If it was his last match, the 33-year-old departs as one of Tottenham's greatest players, ranking fifth in goals scored and having won the Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season. Son captained Tottenham to the UEFA Europa League title this May, their first trophy in 17 years, and remains the only Asian player to have won the Premier League Golden Boot.