The sun sets on Son: Ten glorious years in lilywhite

Son is set to join Los Angeles FC, where former teammate Hugo Lloris now plies his trade. The move will bring the curtain down on a remarkable 10-year spell at Spurs – a decade defined not by silverware, but by relentless commitment, breathtaking goals and a bond with supporters that transcended results.

The end of an era

Son's farewell, fittingly, comes on home soil. The forward addressed the media in Seoul with emotion and dignity, his departure marking the end of one of Tottenham's most cherished modern chapters. While speculation had swirled earlier in the summer – even nudged forward by manager Hansi Flick – the final confirmation still carried weight.

He leaves a lasting legacy. Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for a modest £18 million, Son blossomed into one of the Premier League's most consistent and devastating forwards. With 173 goals and 94 assists in 454 appearances for Spurs, his influence has been immense.

He stands fourth in both goals and appearances in the club's history, and is Tottenham's all-time leader in assists. Within the Premier League, he is widely recognised as the finest Asian player to grace the competition, amassing 127 goals and 71 assists in 333 matches.

More than just numbers

But his contribution goes beyond stats. A player of extraordinary versatility, unselfishness and relentless energy, he embodied Tottenham's identity through some of their most exhilarating and frustrating years.

He formed a fearsome partnership with Harry Kane, helping Spurs to memorable highs – most notably the run to the 2019 Champions League final – and suffering near-misses along the way: runners-up in the Premier League in 2017, beaten finalists in both the FA Cup and League Cup, and the perennial nearly-men of English football.

And yet, through it all, Son remained a beacon of positivity, adored by the fanbase for his effort, humility and flair. He played with heart, often carrying the side through difficult spells as Spurs drifted further from their former ambitions.

Redemption at last

In a twist of fate, both Kane and Son found long-awaited success only after parting ways. Kane lifted the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, while Son, now captain of his country and still a vital force, helped guide Tottenham to Europa League glory this past May — his first major honour in club football.

It was, in many ways, a storybook ending. A final flourish after years of personal and collective sacrifice, and a moment of vindication that few would begrudge him.

A light goes out in North London

Now, Son prepares for a new chapter in the United States, where the lights of Los Angeles await. But at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the glow he brought will be missed. His smile, his explosiveness, his loyalty – they are not easily replaced.

For a decade, Son embodied everything good about Tottenham. He gave the club more than goals and assists; he gave them belief, joy and identity. As he departs, one thing is certain: Tottenham Hotspur will never forget the sunshine he brought – even on their darkest days.