Son Heung-min's Emotional Return: A Tribute to Tottenham and LAFC
Son Heung-min returned to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since joining LAFC, delivering a heartfelt speech to the fans. Reflecting on his 10-year spell at Spurs and his fresh challenge in MLS, Son expressed his deep gratitude and connection to the club.
Son Heung-min said Tottenham will "always be my home" on an emotional return to his former club. The South Korean ended a 10-year stay with Spurs this summer as he completed a move to Los Angeles FC. But on Tuesday night, he got the chance to return to his old stomping ground and deliver a speech to the fans before the north London team's Champions League win over Slavia Prague.Son joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and went on to score 173 goals in 454 appearances for the club. The highlight of his spell was being part of the side that lifted the Europa League trophy in May after beating Manchester United for Spurs' first piece of silverware in 17 years. And then, to the shock of many, the forward announced he would be leaving the north London outfit this summer.He told reporters during Tottenham's pre-season tour of Asia in early August: "I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer. Respectfully, this club is helping me to make my decision. It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. The main reason is I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge. I have been here for 10 years. It’s a beautiful club with beautiful fans. I have such amazing memories. I just felt like I need a new environment to push myself to get more out of me. I think I need a little bit of change. Ten years is a long time. I came to north London as a kid. 23 years old, a very young age. A boy who couldn’t speak English. I leave this club as a man."Just a few months after joining Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, news got out that the 33-year-old would be returning to Tottenham in December, while a special mural has been painted in his honour next to their stadium. Spurs announced that Son would attend their Champions League home game against Slavia Prague on December 9, prompting former team-mate Gareth Bale to send him a special message. In a video message, the Welshman said, "Hi Sonny, Just wanted to say a massive congratulations on your time here at Tottenham. Not many players get to bow out with their last game for their club with a trophy. You are a living legend here. Hopefully you will enjoy the evening. You deserve all the plaudits you get and good luck with my old club, LAFC, and hopefully you can bring home the title there as well."As Son's last Tottenham game came on foreign soil, this match provided the South Korean with the chance to thank the Spurs fans in person. In addition to addressing the supporters at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night, he was given a commemorative golden cockerel by club legend Ledley King. He said on the pitch before kick-off, "Good evening, everyone. It's Sonny here. I hope you guys don't forget me. It's been an amazing ten years, guys, an incredible ten years. Just want to say thank you and I will be always Spurs, and I will always be with you. This will always be my home. This will always be by home. I will never forget you. Please stay with me and come visit LA when you want, I would love to have you guys. I love you all, guys. Come on you Spurs!"It would not surprise many to see Son return to this stadium many times in the future but for now, he will be enjoying the off-season following the conclusion of the 2025 MLS campaign, which ended in the quarter-final stage of the play-offs for his new team. Meanwhile, after Tottenham's 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, which puts them just outside the top eight automatic qualification spots for the round of 16, Thomas Frank's side travel to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.
A Decade at Tottenham: A Journey of Growth and Success
Son Heung-min's tenure at Tottenham began in 2015, following his move from Bayer Leverkusen. Over the course of his 10 years with the club, he became a fan favorite, scoring 173 goals in 454 appearances and playing a pivotal role in the Europa League triumph in May.
A Heartfelt Departure and a New Chapter in LAFC
In a poignant moment during Tottenham's pre-season tour, Son announced his departure, citing the need for a fresh challenge after achieving all he could at the club. His move to Los Angeles FC marked a significant shift in his career, but his bond with Tottenham remained strong.
A Touching Return and Words of Gratitude
Returning to Tottenham for the Champions League game against Slavia Prague, Son expressed his love and appreciation for the club and its supporters. In a moving speech on the pitch, he assured the fans that Tottenham would always be his home and invited them to visit him in LA.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
As Son embarks on the next chapter of his career with LAFC, his legacy at Tottenham remains ingrained in the hearts of fans. While his return to the stadium may have been a bittersweet farewell, it also signals a new beginning for the South Korean star in MLS and a lasting connection to Tottenham.






