Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

Son Heung-min explains why he chose to leave Tottenham in emotional club documentary

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 9:08 AM ET

Son Heung-min ended his decade-long stay at Tottenham to join MLS club Los Angeles FC in the summer.

It’s been a disappointing season for Tottenham Hotspur, with many of their stars underperforming. Rodrigo Bentancur is among those to come under immense scrutiny, while Xavi Simons has struggled to adapt to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since their big-money summer transfer window move.

The new era under Thomas Frank has not been smooth sailing, and after the departure of Son Heung-min, it was always going to be difficult for Spurs to cope. The South Korean international, after 10 years of service, left N17 in the summer to join MLS club Los Angeles FC. The forward announced his departure during the club’s pre-season tour in South Korea, his final match in a Spurs shirt was at a jam-packed crowd in Seoul.

Son Heung-min led Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years when he lifted the Europa League trophy in May last season. Last week, he returned to the north London club for the first time since leaving to bid a final goodbye to the loyal and loving fans.

Son Heung-min opens up on deciding to leave Spurs

On Wednesday, Tottenham released a special documentary featuring Son on their official YouTube channel. The documentary has highlighted the South Korean’s career, historic achievements, Europa League triumph and the emotional homecoming day event. He also opened up on his decision to end his decade-long illustrious stay at White Hart Lane.

“It was very hard to leave this club, because I love the club, but, in the end, I was thinking, if I stay, that will not be good, either for the club or from my point of view,” Son said in the documentary released on the official Tottenham’s YouTube channel.”

Son’s words show how selfless a human being he is, keeping Tottenham ahead of himself always during his time in north London. At 33 and not the force he once was, the versatile forward felt the time was now right to part ways with the club. Also, being the highest-paid player at the club, it felt like a moral obligation for him to leave in order to help Spurs move in a different direction.

As such, it is easy to see why he was a fan favourite here and loved immensely by everyone. A leader and skipper, the South Korean was an example for the players and still continues to inspire countless players. In today’s age and market, it is extremely difficult to get such a character like Son. He is being missed at the club, especially during a time when Tottenham are not doing well on the pitch.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: