Spurs confirm Son Heung-min’s return as official announcement released and players share their reactions.
Son Heung-min will get the chance to bid a final farewell to Tottenham Hotspur supporters when the Lilywhites host Slavia Praha in the Champions League. The South Korean icon, who spent a decade lighting up north London before joining LAFC this summer for around £20 million, is set to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday, December 9, for an emotional goodbye.
A statement released on Spurs’ official website on Wednesday confirmed:
“Heung-Min Son will return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since leaving the Club to say farewell to our home fans at our UEFA Champions League match against SK Slavia Praha on Tuesday 9 December.”
The former Spurs captain, who guided the team to Europa League triumph in Bilbao in May, announced his exit back in August during the club’s pre-season tour in South Korea—playing his final match in a packed Seoul World Cup Stadium. After sealing his move to LAFC, Son netted nine goals in ten matches before their MLS Play-Off defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps on November 23. He has chosen the Slavia fixture as the moment to come back and offer his thanks to the Tottenham faithful.
Son is expected to walk onto the pitch before the teams emerge on Tuesday and address the supporters who adored him throughout his Spurs career. More information on timings will be released before the game.
Meanwhile, a new mural honouring the forward is already being painted on Tottenham High Road. Designed by Son himself, it is being created by Murwalls—the same artists behind the Ledley King and Harry Kane murals—and will be completed in time for the Champions League clash.
Reflecting on his upcoming return, Son said:
“When I made the tough decision to leave Spurs in the summer, it was while we were in Korea, and I never got the proper chance to say goodbye to the fans at the stadium. Coming back to London on 9th December for the Champions League game means I can finally thank the supporters in person for their love over the past 10 years. It will be emotional, but it’s important for both me and the Club.”
Former Spurs teammate James Maddison quickly reacted to the announcement on Instagram, posting:
“Be there or be square”
alongside a white heart emoji.
Supporters were equally delighted. One fan wrote, “Incredible. Sonny is the King. Build the statue.” Another added, “Son Heung-min, the eternal legendary captain who will never be forgotten.”
The news arrives after Spurs produced a dramatic comeback to draw 2-2 with Newcastle United on Tuesday night. Thomas Frank’s men fell behind to a sharp Bruno Guimarães strike early in the second half, but captain Cristian Romero swiftly levelled with a powerful header from Mohammed Kudus’ cross. VAR then spotted Rodrigo Bentancur holding Dan Burn during a corner, leading referee Tom Bramall to award Newcastle a penalty that Anthony Gordon dispatched.
Romero, however, stole the spotlight again by acrobatically firing in a bouncing bicycle kick to rescue a point for Spurs. Frank’s side now turn their attention to a home game against Brentford on Saturday, December 6, before preparing for Son’s emotional homecoming.
