Heung-min Son has penned an emotional goodbye to Tottenham supporters after his move to LAFC was confirmed on Wednesday.
He first announced his plan to leave the club in a teary press conference ahead of last weekend’s friendly clash with Newcastle, and his move to the MLS has now been confirmed. He moves to California for a league-record fee of around £15million, Standard Sport understands, and has signed a two-year deal.
Addressing Tottenham fans on departure, he referred to his signature ‘picture frame’ celebration, which he hopes will help him to remember his time at Tottenham.
He said: “Spurs fans, you are always in my pictures. Every time I celebrate, I make a memory of you. It’s our moment. I make the frame so I don’t forget.
“You welcomed me to North London. You watched me grow. Beautiful moments: The Golden Boot, the Puskas Award, you were there. When I suffered, you were still there. You stayed with me, and I stayed with you.”
Son leaves the club a legend after making 454 Tottenham appearances over a decade in north London. Last season, he captained the club to its first title in 17 years, hoisting the Europa League in Bilbao.
He continued: “I never imagined captaining this team, but I always dreamed that I would win something for you. We won the Europa League, and you all deserve it.
“Thank you for these years. Keep every picture. You were always in the frame. Thank you so much.”
He expanded in an open letter posted on his Instagram page, thanking the club for welcoming him when he signed from Bayer Leverkusen as a 23-year-old.
“When I arrived in 2015, I didn’t speak English, I didn’t know London, but you welcomed me with open arms, believed in me, and stood by me through every high and low.
“I was just a boy from Korea with big dreams who was supposed to have no chance. And now, 10 years later, North London is in my heart forever.
“I’ve poured my heart and soul into this club, which makes this the hardest decision ever. I thought if I was ever going to leave, it would have to be on my terms, on the best terms, when our mission had been accomplished together.”
Son could make his LAFC debut as early as Saturday as his new side visit the Chicago Fire.
