'I don’t like Tottenham, but' – Thierry Henry reveals what he thinks of Son Heung-min

The compliment carries significant weight coming from Henry, who built his legendary status at Arsenal between 1999 and 2007, scoring 228 goals and establishing himself as the club’s all-time leading scorer. The 48-year-old has maintained strong ties with the Gunners and regularly appears as a pundit, rarely passing up chances to criticize Tottenham.

Son spent 10 seasons at Tottenham after joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. He became one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards, scoring 173 goals and providing 101 assists across 454 appearances. His partnership with Harry Kane produced 47 combined goals, the most by any duo in Premier League history, and he captained the club during his final two seasons in North London.

Henry’s respect for Son is understandable given the Korean’s impressive record against Arsenal. In 20 meetings with the Gunners, Son scored eight goals and provided four assists, often producing his best performances in the North London Derby. While Tottenham won just five of those encounters, losing nine, Son consistently proved a thorn in Arsenal’s side with crucial contributions.

Son’s move to LAFC in August represented the end of an era at Tottenham. His departure left a significant void in Thomas Frank‘s squad, with the manager still searching for adequate replacements.

Mutual respect between rivals

Henry’s public acknowledgment of Son’s qualities reflects the mutual respect that occasionally transcends fierce rivalries. The North London Derby remains one of English football’s most intense fixtures, but exceptional talents like Son and Henry command appreciation regardless of allegiances.

Even among Arsenal supporters, Son is recognized as a player deserving of admiration. His combination of speed, finishing, and relentless effort made him one of the Premier League’s finest attackers during his decade in England. For Henry to single him out speaks volumes about the Korean’s impact on English football.

Son recently began a new chapter with LAFC, where he will aim to replicate his Premier League success in Major League Soccer. His legacy at Tottenham remains secure as one of the club’s greatest ever players, while his performances against Arsenal ensured he will be remembered, if reluctantly, by Gunners fans as well.