On August 3, under cloudy skies at Seoul World Cup Stadium, a rainbow stretched across the roof, replacing the heavy rain many had feared. It was a...
Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min lifts his teammate Brennan Johnson in celebration after Johnson scores the opening goal during a friendly match against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3.
/ Reporter Moon Jae-won On August 3, under cloudy skies at Seoul World Cup Stadium, a rainbow stretched across the roof, replacing the heavy rain many had feared. It was as if the heavens themselves had conspired to help Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min play one final match in his team kit on home soil. The day before, Son had officially announced in a press conference that he had decided to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer. After ten years wearing the No. 7 shirt for the Premier League club, it was a heartfelt farewell. Despite the pressure of revealing his plans ahead of time, Son chose to personally deliver the news to his Korean fans. He is expected to transfer to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer . “I’ve realized just how much love I receive from fans in just one day since making the announcement,” Son said in a pre-match interview. “I’m truly a fortunate person. I hope people will remember me as someone who gave everything every single day, and who always gave his all whenever he walked onto the pitch in a Spurs’ shirt.” The atmosphere in the stands was electric. News that this would be Son’s final match for Spurs in Korea saw remaining tickets snapped up instantly. Contrary to expectations that interest would wane after Spurs’ third consecutive visit to Korea, the match sold out, something even Korea’s recent World Cup qualifier against Kuwait failed to do. The area around the stadium was overwhelmed hours before kickoff. Fans in Spurs jerseys lined up from the nearby subway station to the stadium entrance, and nearby stores and restaurants were packed with Spurs fans and weekend crowds. Spurs also went out of its way to make Son’s farewell special. Unlike their friendly in Hong Kong just days earlier, where Son only appeared as a second-half substitute against Arsenal, this time he was named in the starting lineup. The club even prepared a special edition kit, featuring the traditional Korean taegeuk symbol in place of his usual number. All Spurs players wore the jersey, which the club said was “inspired by the taegeuk mark on the Korean flag.” The stadium erupted as Son took to the field. Actor Park Seo-jun, a close friend of Son’s, delivered the ceremonial first kick, while national team teammate Lee Kang-in made an appearance in the crowd, further energizing fans. Son Heung-min sheds tears on the bench after being substituted in the second half of Tottenham Hotspur’s friendly match against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3. / Yonhap News 스포츠 많이 본 기사 Each time Son touched the ball, he was met with cheers and applause. Trumpets sounded his chant, and his performance, full of energy, dribbles, passes, and shots, thrilled the crowd. Newcastle United players even earned yellow cards trying to contain him. Despite being in his mid-30s, Son was still clearly at the top of his game. He was substituted in the 65th minute with the score tied 1-1. As he walked off the pitch, the entire stadium rose in a standing ovation, chanting his name. Son’s eyes welled with tears. After Son’s final match on Korean soil, the Spurs squad headed straight to Incheon International Airport. While the club will face Bayern Munich in a friendly in Germany on August 8, it is unlikely Son will feature in that match.
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