By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
After 10 years with Tottenham Hotspur, captain Son Heung-min says he is leaving the English Premier League club this summer.
Son announced his decision in a press conference ahead of Spurs’ pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in the player’s native South Korea on Sunday.
“I have decided to leave the club this summer. Respectfully the club is helping me with this decision,” said an emotional Son.
“It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision.
“I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change – 10 years is a long time. I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man.
“I want to say thank you to all the Spurs fans for giving me so much love. I hope the goodbye is also good timing and this is the right time to make that decision. I hope everyone can accept that and respect that.”
Son confirmed that he had made his decision to leave a while ago but only told a few players. New Spurs boss Frank knew of Son’s decision ahead of their first pre-season game at Reading earlier this month.
He is fourth on the list of Spurs’ all-time record goalscorers – behind only Harry Kane, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Smith.
Son has 173 goals and 101 assists for Spurs in all competitions, including 127 goals and 27 assists in 333 matches in the Premier League.
The 33 year-old added that the team’s recent success was a factor: “Winning the Europa League made me feel I had achieved everything I could here. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge.”
Fullview understands personal terms have already been agreed with LAFC, while talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage, with Son set to link up with former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris in America.