Tottenham Hotspur is set to face Newcastle United at 8 p.m. on August 3 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium as part of the 2025 Coupang Play Series. The match is expected to be Son Heung-min’s farewell game with the team.
On the day before the match, Tottenham held an open training session at the Anyang Sports Complex in Dongan-gu, Anyang. Despite the sweltering weather and early evening sun, players trained diligently in front of around 8,000 fans, going through passing drills, mini-games, and corner-kick practice.
Earlier that day, Son Heung-min had shocked fans during a press conference by personally announcing his departure from Tottenham. Though he wore a somber expression during training, his familiar bright smile returned as the session progressed. Fans cheered him on from the stands with messages like “Stay strong, Son Heung-min,” “We’ll always support you,” and “Our eternal captain, Son Heung-min.”
Toward the end of the session, midfielder Yves Bissouma appeared emotional. Sitting on the field, he stared into the distance, his eyes red as he repeatedly wiped the corners of his eyes. While it was unclear whether it was sweat or tears, he was later seen near Son Heung-min wiping his eyes again with his jersey. Since joining Tottenham in 2022, Bissouma has played three seasons alongside Son, appearing in 44 matches and scoring 2 goals last season. Known for his joyful personality and locker-room dances after wins, Bissouma looked unusually downcast that day.
Son Heung-min’s departure was confirmed at the 2025 Coupang Play Series press conference. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” Son stated. “But I’ve decided to leave Tottenham this summer. It’s the hardest decision I’ve made in my football career. I’ve given my all every single day for this club, both on and off the field. But I feel like I’ve achieved everything I could here, and now I want to try football in a different environment.”
He added, “I’m grateful the club respected my decision. I owe so much to Tottenham for helping me grow as a footballer and as a person.”
Son Heung-min is expected to start in the match against Newcastle. Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank confirmed, “Son will wear the captain’s armband and start the match. He deserves a proper farewell in front of the fans and the respect that comes with it.”
Regarding the transfer, Frank added, “I haven’t worked with Son for long, but he’s had a phenomenal 10 years at Tottenham. His attitude is exemplary, and there’s much to learn from him. Saying goodbye is never easy, but having lifted a major trophy last season and contributed so much to the club, now may be the right time for him to move on.”
Tottenham fans around the world are now bracing for an emotional farewell, as Son Heung-min prepares to close a legendary chapter and begin a new journey beyond the club he’s called home for over a decade.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
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