Visited Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the First Time in Over Four Months
Took a Commemorative Photo at the Building Featuring His Own Mural
Son Heungmin visited the home stadium of his former club, Tottenham Hotspur. On December 10, Yonhap News reported that Son Heungmin visited Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, where the UEFA Champions League League Phase Matchday 6 between Tottenham and Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) was held, and bid farewell to the fans.
Son Heungmin, who visited Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time in over four months, waved to the fans as a farewell gesture. Photo by EPA Yonhap News
In August, during a pre-season tour held in Korea, Son Heungmin announced his transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. At that time, he promised, "I will greet the fans directly in London," and on this day, he kept his word by appearing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time in over four months. Wearing a gray coat and a black scarf, he stood on the pitch and greeted the crowd, saying, "Sonny (Son Heungmin) is here." The fans responded enthusiastically, holding up signs that read, "Welcome back home, Sonny." Son Heungmin said, "The time I spent at Tottenham was incredible," and added, "I always want to be a part of Tottenham. I will always be with you."
He continued, "I will never forget you. I hope you will always stay with me," and added, "Please visit LA anytime." After Son Heungmin's farewell address, Tottenham's legendary defender and ambassador Ledley King (45) presented him with a cockerel-shaped trophy, the symbol of Tottenham. Son Heungmin left the pitch to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Tottenham painted a mural of their 'legend' Son Heungmin on Tottenham High Road, the route leading to their home stadium. Photo by EPA Yonhap News
Previously, Tottenham had painted a mural of their 'legend' Son Heungmin on Tottenham High Road, the street leading to their home stadium, in honor of his leadership as captain in winning the UEFA Europa League. The mural depicts Son Heungmin performing his signature 'camera celebration' pose and lifting the Europa League trophy. Before the match, Son Heungmin visited the building with his mural and said, "It feels special," adding, "I am grateful to be the subject of this mural." He also said, "I am thankful for the unforgettable 10 years I spent with the fans."
After joining Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in Germany in August 2015, Son Heungmin scored 173 goals in 454 official matches over 10 years, ranking fifth in the club's all-time scoring list. In the 2021-2022 season, he became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot by scoring 23 goals, and he contributed to Tottenham's UEFA Europa League victory in May. His transfer to LAFC in August marked the end of his '10-year journey' with Tottenham.
Gareth Bale, who was Son Heungmin's teammate at Tottenham, sent a video message saying, "It is rare for a player to finish with a trophy (Europa League win). You are Tottenham's living legend. You deserve the applause. I hope you lift a trophy at LAFC as well." The Premier League office also posted on social media, "A hero was welcomed." Meanwhile, Tottenham responded to Son Heungmin's visit by defeating Slavia Prague 3-0, climbing to ninth place in the league phase with 11 points.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
