Tottenham captain Son Heung-min was in tears and his teammates hurled him over their shoulders on an emotional night in his home country of South Korea on Sunday.
Spurs played out a 1-1 draw with Newcastle in a pre-season match in Seoul but that was secondary to the farewell for 33-year-old forward Son.
Potential Final Appearance for Spurs
In what was potentially his last match for the north Londoners, Son featured 65 minutes but failed to find the net in Seoul World Cup Stadium, one day after he made public his intention to depart Tottenham this summer after ten years.
He departed the field to a deafening applause from almost 65,000 spectators, embracing his teammates and even the opposition.
Offside Calls and Substitution in the 65th Minute
The South Korean captain was twice caught offside in the early stages, as his teammates attempted to set him up, but did not actually imprint himself on the game otherwise.
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Son was substituted in the 65th minute by Mohammed Kudus and he stormed off in tears as thousands of spectators chanted his name.
Son Opens Up About His Emotions
“I didn’t think I was going to cry at first,” Son said.
“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, who has been linked with LAFC in Major League Soccer, declined to reveal his next destination, saying: “Nothing has been finalised.”
Tributes from Coaches and Players
Tottenham coach Thomas Frank said he enjoyed the “unbelievable, beautiful scenes” Son had with players from both sides on his way off the pitch.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said his players’ reaction to the end of Son’s night had not been planned ahead.
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“I think it was very instinctive from the players,” Howe said.
“I think that speaks volumes for him as a person and him as a footballer that both teams recognise the way he’s played the game.”
Goals from Johnson and Barnes Complete the Scoreline
Brennan Johnson’s right-footed effort gave Tottenham the lead in the fourth minute, and the Welsh striker did his best impression of paying tribute to Son by copying the South Korean star’s camera celebration.
Harvey Barnes equalised in the 38th minute, getting the better of Antonin Kinsky with a right-footed strike that found the net via the post.
