Son Heung-Min in Tears as Emotional Spurs Farewell Ends Decade-Long Era

SON HEUNG-MIN broke down in tears after what is expected to be his final Tottenham appearance following a decade at the club.

Son, 33, announced his exit in an emotional press conference a day before Spurs locked horns with Newcastle in South Korea on Sunday.

9 Son Heung-Min broke down in tears after possibly his final Spurs appearance

9 Son was given an impromptu guard of honour by his team-mates and Newcastle stars Credit: Getty

9 The Spurs captain announced he's leaving the club

9 Son was visibly emotional on the bench Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

And what a fitting farewell it might have been while playing in front of his most ardent fans back in his homeland.

The Spurs captain was given an impromptu guard of honour by his team-mates and Newcastle players when subbed off in the 64th minute.

The crowd in the Seoul World Cup Stadium went wild as their hero hugged everyone on the Spurs bench and wept as the full impact of his goodbye hit home.

And the Spurs admin immediately tweeted: "Cheers Son's crying, nice one 😥."

Son instantly became teary eyed when his No7 was put up on the board with new signing Mohammed Kudus coming on to replace the forward.

The club legend was embraced by Spurs midfielder James Maddison and North London winger Brennan Johnson.

Premier League goalkeeper Antonín Kinský also ran up to take part in the tributes, as both sets of players lovingly slapped Son's back.

Newcastle's Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes got involved in the action, hugging the Tottenham ace.

Fighting back tears after the match, Son said: "It was a beautiful moment and it was really emotional.

“It was really tough to be honest and the last couple of weeks. But I think sharing this beautiful moment is something I will never forget and will always appreciate.

“From the fans, the players and also the gaffer. He understood my situation and was always on my side and always listened to me.

“I have a huge respect (for him) and I am very grateful.

“The players have made me a better person. I’m such a lucky guy to have such an amazing group of boys. It feels like they are my little brothers. I wish them all the best. They have five competitions ahead and I hope they win them all.

“Spurs will always be in my heart and those boys will always be in my history books.

“It was incredible, it went so fast, the ten years. Some amazing moments. Spurs will always be in my heart and I will cheer as a family-member.”

Son's exit marked a huge change in temperament after Guimaraes somehow escaped a red card for strangling Cristian Romero in the first half.

But Son's tribute was marred with a shock injury to Maddison 19 minutes later following a routine challenge with Anthony Elanga.

Son was among those looking very concerned watching on after the England star was stretchered off in the 85th minute.

Son is widely-tipped to move to America, where MLS side LAFC want to make him their new marquee player.

Actor Park Seo-Joon, star of Oscar-winning Parasite and a close pal of Son, gave a touching tribute to his mate before kick-off from the centre circle, claiming the people of South Korea could not sleep after his exit-plan announcement.

A banner in the 66,000-strong crowd read ‘Sonny the Spurs legend’, while the man himself got choked up on the bench, presumably as the full impact of his exit dawned on him.

9 Son was given a touching send off Credit: Getty

9 Son was given a love-in from the crowd and both sets of players Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

9 The South Korean legend was embraced by this team-mates near the bench Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

9 The Spurs captain was later thrown into the air by his team-mates Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

9 He was given a brilliant send-off once the match ended Credit: AP

Brennan Johnson did Son’s trademark ‘camera pose’ celebration after netting opener inside four minutes.

But Harvey Barnes’ banger levelled the score, three minutes before Romero and Guimaraes’ scuffle.

Meanwhile, other fans were in disbelief by the amount of mistakes being made during the game.

Spurs will kick off their Premier League campaign away to Burnley on August 16.

Last season's Carabao Cup winners Newcastle, meanwhile, will welcome Aston Villa to St James' Park.