Tottenham: Return of the Son | OneFootball

Much like the title of a famous Star Wars movie, Tuesday night sees the return of a Tottenham Jedi. A man who led the club to their first trophy in 17 years and first European one for 41 years. 

A delayed goodbye

Rumours began to gather pace in the summer that Heung-min Son would leave the club on a high and take on a new challenge in the MLS.

This became true when the Spurs skipper played his last match in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle back in the beginning of August. It was a 1-1 draw in his home country of South Korea, meaning he never got to say a proper goodbye to the Tottenham fans.

Now that the MLS season is over, with Son’s LAFC losing on penalties to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the conference semi-finals, the former Tottenham captain will finally get to say his goodbyes.

An emotional night in store

There won’t be a dry eye in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Tuesday night, as the South Korean forward addresses the Tottenham faithful on the pitch before their Champions League match against Slavia Prague.

After a glorious 10 years in N17, Son is also being honoured with a mural on the Tottenham High Road. Son has chosen the design himself, which is being created by Murwalls. They also prepared murals for Ledley King and Harry Kane. 

This particular piece of art will continue to celebrate the legacy of a modern day Tottenham legend. 

The stats don’t lie

The 33 year-old is not only an icon in Tottenham, but a Premier League great as well. He has 127 goals and 27 assists in 333 appearances in England’s top league. His overall record in a Spurs shirt reads 173 goals and 101 assists in all competitions.

Son enjoyed a prolific partnership with Harry Kane at the club, with a record 37 goal contributions in the league. Set back in February 2022, this number surpassed the one between Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, who have 36.

Spurs fans were spoilt by their almost telepathic link-up play, something they would kill to have right now. 

While Kane won three Premier League golden boots, Son finally got his hands on one in the 2021-22 season. He did have to share it with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, but purists know Son’s 23 goals were all from open play, no penalties. He was the first Asian to win this prize, and he also won the FIFA Puskas award in the 2019-20 season with his amazing solo effort against Burnley.

I could go on and on about different Son stats, but he also scored the first official goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That was in a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace back in April 2019. 

Immortality

The new mural helps cement Son’s legendary status in North London, but bringing home European silverware is his biggest achievement.

He managed to do what Kane couldn’t and that’s why he’ll be remembered for years to come. Add to this his infectious personality and always having a smile on his face, he really is one on the good guys in football.

He’s loved at the club and always will be. This is reflected by the fact that Ben Davies made him as Godfather to his son, Ralph.

Fast forward to the present day and many fans consider him the Godfather of Tottenham. Just a more lovable one that doesn’t have people whacked.

You could say he’s whacked many defenders in his time though. They would play against him in fear, with his lightening pace, trickery and lethal left foot (he can shoot with both) he terrorised the opposition for years on English shores.

Riding the wave

After an impressive 2-0 win over Brentford at the weekend, the presence of Son will only boost the confidence of Thomas Frank’s men. 

Xavi Simons was exceptional against The Bees, assisting Richarlison’s goal and scoring a low shot into the bottom corner after a mazy run.

Many fans will be hoping the Dutchman will be the next hero in a Lilywhite shirt. Only time will tell if that’s the case and until then Tuesday will be the night to honour the last action hero Spurs had.

One last swan song

There are many highs and lows in football, but Son certain produced more highs in Tottenham. He always gave it his all and deserves all the praise he receives from coaches, teammates and supporters alike. The Tottenham faithful have so many happy memories of his time with them and they are etched in the club’s history forever. 

There were rumours that he may return to Tottenham on loan now that the MLS season has come to an end. He will want to stay fit for the World Cup next summer with South Korea, but these rumours were ultimately false. It’s probably for the best though, as it won’t tarnish the image of him lifting that Europa trophy back in May. 

So all that’s left for me to do is sing his song one last time, “Nice one Sonny, nice one Son, nice one Sonny, let’s have another one!”