Emotional Scenes: Mohammed Kudus Replaces Son Heung Min in His Last Spurs Game
- Son Heung-min bid an emotional goodbye to Tottenham as he featured in his final match for the club against Newcastle on Sunday, August 3
- The South Korean star departs as a true Spurs legend, having played a key role in ending the club’s 17-year wait for silverware
- He received a heartfelt send-off from fans and teammates before making way for Mohammed Kudus in the second half
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The night was charged with emotion as Son Heung-min took to the pitch one final time in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt.
At the Seoul World Cup Stadium, in his home nation of South Korea, Son was not just another name on the teamsheet. He was the heartbeat of the moment, soaking in what would be his farewell appearance for the club he had served for ten remarkable years.
Source: Getty Images
Coach Thomas Frank, well aware of the significance of the occasion, gave Son the captain’s armband and the honour of leading the side out for the last time.
Facing Newcastle United in front of his people, the script seemed set for a fairytale ending.
Spurs struck early, with Brennan Johnson finding the net just four minutes in. But the Magpies responded before halftime, as Harvey Barnes drew Newcastle level in the 38th minute.
The scoreboard would stay unchanged for the rest of the match.
Source: Getty Images
Kudus replaces Son in emotional scenes
As the clock ticked into the 65th minute, the moment arrived. Son, visibly emotional, was substituted to a standing ovation.
Players from both teams formed a guard of honour, a heartfelt tribute to a man who had given his all to the game, according to The Mirror.
Before making his way off the pitch, Son passed the captain’s armband to Ben Davies.
Then came warm embraces from the coaching staff and substitutes as he took his seat on the bench, his head buried in his hands as he tried to contain his emotions.
Replacing him was Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who paused to hug Son in a gesture that symbolised both respect and transition.
Watch the video:
What did Son Heung-min say after his final game for Tottenham?
Later, the 33-year-old opened up about his feelings after the game.
"I didn't think I was going to cry at first," Son admitted, as quoted by the BBC.
"But after hearing a few words from my teammates, leaving the club I've spent so much time with felt really tough.
"I felt really, really happy playing this match. Thanks to my fans, my teammates and also my opponents, I've had an unforgettable day."
Son Heung-min's career and legacy at Tottenham
Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for a then-record £22 million, the highest fee ever paid for an Asian player, Son carved out a legacy that stretched far beyond numbers.
His crowning moment came in May, when he captained Spurs to Europa League glory against Manchester United, ending a 17-year trophy drought and etching his name deeper into the club’s history.
Now, with talks in the advanced stage, Son appears set to begin a new chapter with Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC (LAFC).
Son Heung-min heading to LAFC
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Son Heung-min had entered discussions with Tottenham Hotspur regarding his future.
With just a year remaining on his contract, the South Korean forward is set to join LAFC, bringing an end to his remarkable 10-year stint with the North London side.
Source: YEN.com.gh
