Their choices for each other remained the same to the end. The relationship between Son Heung-min (33, LAFC) and Tottenham Hotspur continues even after the uniform changed. Son Heung-min's confession that "other Premier League teams were not an option" and the club's first statue project under way are symbolic scenes.
In a documentary released on Tottenham's official channel on the 17th (Korean time), Son Heung-min directly explained why he chose Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States instead of staying in the Premier League. He said, "I never once thought about wearing another Premier League team's uniform. I respected Tottenham, and I did not want to face Tottenham as an opponent."
He added, "In England I want to be remembered only as a Tottenham player." He meant that he chose to maintain an identity with one club rather than broaden his options.
The moment of decision came right after winning the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Europa League. Son Heung-min described that night lifting the trophy in Bilbao as "the perfect final scene as a Tottenham player." He said, "I always felt something was missing. It was like putting together a puzzle but the last piece was always absent," and recalled, "It took a long time, but I eventually found that piece." He explained that the moment of completion made him think of a new challenge.
The decision was not impulsive. Son Heung-min said, "I consulted thoroughly with the people I trust most and conveyed my intentions to the club directly after the final." Tottenham also respected his decision. The official farewell took place at the Coupang Play Series press conference held in Korea last August. Son Heung-min said, "The process of leaving itself was difficult. I loved the club that much," and added, "I judged that me staying was not the best for both the team and me."
Even after the farewell, the club's actions have treated Son Heung-min's legacy as a present-tense story. According to British site Spurs Web, Tottenham is pursuing a project to install the club's first statue outside the home stadium. The fan advisory board (FAB) participates in selecting the honoree, and fans' opinions are a core criterion. The idea is not for the club to decide unilaterally but to set a symbol based on fans' memories and emotions.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in 2019, has state-of-the-art facilities, but there were criticisms that the club's history and identity were not sufficiently revealed. The club has recently reinstalled the Bill Nicholson gate as part of work to connect past and present, and the statue project is part of the same trend. In this process Son Heung-min's name naturally comes up. Tottenham recently unveiled a large mural featuring Son Heung-min, placing his legacy at the center of the club's history.
Since joining in 2015, Son Heung-min recorded 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 official matches over 10 seasons. He is fifth in the club's all-time scoring list. As captain he led the team to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Europa League title, and he is the only Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot and the Puskás Award in the same season. His name carries records, symbolism and fans' memories.
In the documentary Son Heung-min said, "Tottenham will always be my home." Tottenham, together with fans, has begun discussions on who to leave as the club's symbol. Their mutual choices have already been proven enough. The confessions in the documentary and the push to make a statue show that the relationship of being "inseparable" remains in the present tense.
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