Captain Hyun Min has announced his departure from Tottenham Hotspur, stating this decision comes after a decade with the Premier League team.
During a press conference in Seoul, he described his choice to leave as one of the toughest of his career, emphasizing that Tottenham will support him as he embarks on the next phase of his journey.
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, but I believe it’s the right moment. I hope everyone can respect my choice,” said the South Korean star.
“I joined North London as a teenager at 23, a very young age, and now I feel proud to leave as a man who has grown and evolved, even if I didn’t speak English back then.”
According to ESPN’s James Ollie, LAFC has shown interest in signing him, who has a contract with Spurs that extends to 2026.
When questioned in Korean about his future plans, he stated, “I don’t think there is an answer yet.”
New Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank confirmed that during the friendly match against Newcastle, Hyun Min will start and also serve as captain.
Despite the upcoming UEFA Super Cup involving PSG, this could mark his final match for Spurs, scheduled for August 13.
“It’s evident that Sonny will start and captain the team. If this is indeed his last game, it will be fitting for him to do so in front of his home supporters. That could serve as a beautiful conclusion,” Frank remarked.
Hyun Min’s pivotal role in Tottenham’s Europa League victory against Manchester United allowed him to lift the club’s sole trophy, marking him as one of only seven players to contribute to 198 goals in the Premier League since his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for £22 million ($29.8 million).
“Winning the Europa League made me feel like I achieved everything possible here, and I now seek a new environment for a fresh challenge,” he added.
This report utilized information from the Associated Press and PA.
Fan Take: This news resonates deeply with soccer fans as it marks both the end of an era and the potential for new beginnings in Hyun Min’s career. His journey illustrates the relentless pursuit of growth and challenge in professional sports, inspiring fans to embrace change within their favorite teams.