The 33-year-old joined the Premier League side from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and has played more than 450 times for Spurs (a familiar term for Tottenham).
In May 2025, he lifted the Europa League trophy but overall he had a poor season to his high standards and struggled with a series of leg injuries.
"Before starting the press conference, I would like to say that I have decided to leave the club this summer. The club was very grateful to help me make this decision, Son Heung-min told the media in Seoul, where Tottenham are on a pre-season tour here.
Son Heung-min has scored 173 goals for Tottenham. Currently, it is unclear where he will choose as his next destination in his career. Some clubs in the US professional football league (MLS) are said to be looking for the service of this Korean star.
"It was the most difficult decision I have ever made in my career. It's hard to make a decision when we have great memories.
I need a new environment to promote myself. I need a change - 10 years is a long time. I came to north London as a child, 23 years old, a very young age. I left this club as a mature man, with pride in myself, Son said when standing next to new Tottenham coach Thomas Frank.
Speaking in Korean, Son said that winning a Europa League trophy - Tottenham's first European title in 41 years - played a "big role" in his thinking.
"Winning the title in Europe makes me feel like I have achieved everything I can. I spent a lot of time thinking about whether I wanted to experience football in another environment or not, and I talked to myself many times about that, Son Heung-min said.
Frank, who joined Spurs from Brentford in June, has paid tribute to the South Korean captain.
He said: "For me personally, I really want to work with such a great player and person. Son Heung-min is truly a legend of Spurs in every aspect, one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League.
Spurs will face Newcastle United on August 3 in Seoul, and Son will certainly receive a warm welcome from his home fans.
Spurs have had a rather quiet summer in the transfer market so far, with the only major contract being attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.
Morgan Gibbs-White was set to follow Nottingham Forest but the £60 million transfer deal failed.
