Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son has announced that he will leave the club this summer.
The attacker announced his decision in a press conference prior to Spurs' pre -season friendly against Newcastle in the South Korea's birthplace of the player on Sunday -which could be his last game for the club.
Spurs -head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed that son will start the team on Sunday and captain.
Son wants to move to Major League Soccer despite renewed interest from Saudi Arabia. The MLS and Lafc, which are strongly linked to the player, will now accelerate conversations with Spurs about the transfer of Son.
“I decided to leave the club this summer. With respect, the club helps me with this decision,” said an emotional son.
“It was the most difficult decision I made in my career. Such great memories. It was so difficult to make the decision.
“I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little change – 10 years is a long time. As a child, 23 years old, such a young age came to North Londs. I leave this club as an adult man, a very proud man.
“I want to thank all Spurs fans for giving so much love. I hope that the farewell is also a good timing and this is the right time to make that decision. I hope everyone can accept that and respects that.”
Son confirmed that he had made his decision to leave a while ago, but only a few players told. The new Spurs boss Frank knew Son's decision prior to their first pre-season game at Reading earlier this month.
Son is fourth on the list of Spurs' Record Goalscorers of all time – behind only Harry Kane, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Smith.
SON has 173 goals and 101 assists for traces in all competitions, including 127 goals and 27 assists in 333 games in the Premier League.
The last competitive game of the 33-year-old for the club will be the Europa League final victory over Manchester United in Bilbao last season.
The winger was a second half replacement in that match and lifted the trophy after full-time spurs' first big honor since 2008.
Cristian Romero – who was connected to a relocation of Spurs itself this summer – is probably the new captain of the Noord -London club.
Frank: Son one of the best PL -Wingers ever
In the same press conference, New Spurs coach Frank Son described as one of the best Premier League wing players ever.
“For me personally I would like to work with him. He is a fantastic person and player. I had the opportunity to view him from a distance,” said the Dane.
“He has been here for 10 years, not only 10 years but 10 amazing years. He is a real Spurs -legend in every aspect. I actually think that one of the best players ever played in the Premier League as a winger in the Premier League.
“I like that the club has been open for it, because it is never easy to find that perfect timing and I come in a bit off the side, I think it is probably the perfect timing that goes on a high.
“He has been here for 10 years, won a well -deserved trophy. I have been an important player for many seasons. It is almost the perfect end to a happy family.
“I think it is very clear. It is no secret that Sonny will start and the team will lead as a captain. So I am looking forward to it in many ways and if it is the last match for Sonny, what a place to do it in South Korea, his home country for his home fans.
“That may be a good ending. First and foremost with the greatest respect for Sonny and what he did for the club.”
Frank was also asked how Spurs continues with Son – with the North -London club still active on the transfer market.
While Spurs have the option to buy a new broad player to replace Son, Frank already spoke the options at the club.
“First and foremost, when a great player leaves a team, other players have the chance to shine,” Frank said.
“Brennan Johnson is a player who could play left. I also think Wilson Odobert has done well against Arsenal and can play on the left and Mathys Tel is also a flexible player.
“I think we have a number of young promising players who can hopefully take over and take over from Sonny in the future.”
Sky Sports to show 215 Live Premier League matches from next season
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And 80 percent of all Premier League matches broadcast on television will be on Sky Sports next season.