Son’s 173 goals underline the size of Tottenham’s loss as Spurs sit 20th

Tottenham have three points from their first six Premier League games, and Heung-min Son says he still misses the club he left as captain. His affection is clear; the numbers behind his decade at Spurs make the footballing loss just as clear.

Son spoke after Los Angeles FC’s 1-1 draw with New York City FC on Saturday. Journalist Eli Kronenberg asked about support from the New York Spurs supporters club and told Son that one fan’s six-year-old son had cried when the forward left Tottenham.

“Everywhere I go, I see Spurs shirts with my name on the back. It makes me so so proud,” Son said. “I’m just so grateful to see those kinds of fans.” He added: “I cried too when I left this amazing club, so I can understand how those fans felt.”

Son spent a decade at Tottenham, scoring 173 goals and providing 101 assists in 454 appearances. He departed as captain after lifting the Europa League trophy in Bilbao, then returned to say goodbye to supporters in person. That record makes the current contrast difficult to ignore: Spurs are 20th, without a win, after three draws and three defeats, with a goal difference of minus six.

Spurs Web says Tottenham’s goals have fallen since Son’s departure and argues that losing his leadership contributed to the club coming close to relegation last season. Those are broader judgments, but the immediate table gives Spurs little room for comfort. They need both results and goals, while the player who delivered them for so long is now watching from afar.

Son’s words were about gratitude, not a possible return. “You can’t stay forever,” he said, describing his exit as “a nice goodbye” and adding that he still misses the club and wishes it well.

Tottenham’s next chance to change their start comes at home to Coventry on Monday, 19 October. For now, the former captain’s connection with the supporters remains strong, even as Spurs try to find a way forward without his goals and leadership.