Son Heung-min bids farewell to the home fans of Tottenham. EPA=Yonhap News 

"I hoped you wouldn't forget me. It has been an incredible 10 years."

'Son-sational' Son Heung-min (33, LAFC), who left an indelible mark as a 'legend' for England's Premier League (EPL) club Tottenham Hotspur, bid an emotional farewell to the home fans.

On the 10th (Korean time), Son Heung-min stood before the fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, ahead of the kick-off for the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League (UCL) League Phase matchday 6 between Tottenham and Slavia Prague (Czech Republic).

Son Heung-min, who was unable to properly say goodbye to Tottenham fans when his transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States was announced during Tottenham's pre-season tour in Korea last August, had promised, "I will return to London to say goodbye to the fans." He visited Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after more than four months to stand before the fans.

A mural of Son Heung-min on the Tottenham High Road. EPA=Yonhap News 

Son Heung-min's visit to Tottenham was officially announced on the 3rd.

Tottenham announced on their website, "Son Heung-min will visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since leaving the club. He has agreed to meet with the fans at the UCL match against Slavia Prague."

To commemorate the achievements of Son Heung-min, who played for 10 years, served as captain, and led the team to a UEFA Europa League title, Tottenham has prepared a mural on Tottenham High Road depicting his 'click celebration' and him lifting the Europa League trophy.

Son Heung-min performs his 'click celebration' in front of a mural featuring his image. Tottenham Hotspur SNS Capture 

Visiting the building featuring his mural before the match, Son Heung-min expressed his feelings: "It feels special. I am simply grateful to be the subject of a mural. I don't need any other words, just thank you." He added, "I want to be remembered not only as a good player but also as a good person. I am grateful for the unforgettable 10 years I spent with the fans."

Having joined in August 2015, Son Heung-min is a 'legend' who played 454 official matches for Tottenham, scoring 173 goals, ranking him fifth in the club's all-time top scorers list.

Son Heung-min signs the mural. Tottenham Hotspur SNS Capture

In the 2021-2022 season, he scored 23 goals in the EPL, jointly finishing as top scorer with Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), and contributed to Tottenham's UEFA Europa League victory in May 2025-2026.

However, due to his sudden transfer to LAFC in August, Son Heung-min was unable to have a 'farewell ceremony' with the home fans who had supported him for 10 years. With LAFC's season now concluded, he was able to visit Tottenham in person.

Tottenham fans hold up photos of Son Heung-min to welcome him. Reuters=Yonhap News 

The home fans, who filled Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that day, all stood to await the 'hero's return.' As Son Heung-min, wearing a gray long coat and a black scarf, finally entered the pitch, they welcomed him with a standing ovation.

Holding a microphone, Son Heung-min addressed the fans with a trembling voice, as if moved, "Hello everyone. Sonny is here." The crowd erupted in cheers and applause once more.

Fans welcomed him with signs reading 'Welcome Back Home Sonny' and holding photos of Son Heung-min.

Son Heung-min stated, "I hoped you wouldn't forget me. It has been an absolutely incredible 10 years. I want to express my gratitude," adding, "I always want to be a part of Tottenham. I will always be with you."

__EXPRESSION__">Son Heung-min addresses the fans with an emotional expression. Reuters=Yonhap News 

He continued, "Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will always be like home to me. I will not forget you. I hope you will always be with me. Please visit me in LA anytime. I love you," he said, applauding the fans.

After Son Heung-min's farewell address, Tottenham's 'legendary defender' Ledley King came onto the pitch and presented him with the club's symbol, the cockerel trophy. As he left the pitch, Son Heung-min waved to the fans, his eyes slightly red with emotion.