SON HEUNG-MIN’S emotional farewell for Spurs was overshadowed by a serious-looking injury to close pal James Maddison.
The story of the day had been club legend Son breaking down in tears after being subbed off in what is expected to be his final appearance for Tottenham following a decade at the club.
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But then good friend Maddison sadly became the focus after being carried off on a stretcher towards the end of the friendly against Newcastle in Seoul.
Son was among those watching on, looking very concerned for the England star, who had sustained the problem in a routine challenge with Anthony Elanga in the 83rd minute.
It was unclear if Maddison had even made contact with the Swede but instantly knew something was wrong as he put his hands on his head, waved to the bench and then crumpled in a heap, before being carted away.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank will be praying the injury is not as severe as it looked for Maddison, who is only just coming back from a knee ligament problem sustained in May.
The former England international was pictured on crutches after the match.
And Frank said: “We’re pretty sure it was the same knee he injured before.
“I think sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal. That’s what we got today.
“It looks like with Madders a bad injury and then on the other side unbelievable scenes for Son from his team-mates and the respect from the Newcastle players.
“First we had the walkaround and then the team-mates gathered around and he was emotional. In the changing room it was more of the same.
“I just said a few things but not much because it’s about Sonny and then he said a few things. It was beautiful.”
Maddison had only just come off the bench shortly before his injury but the sub had to be replaced by South Korean youngster Yang Min-hyeok.
Compatriot Son, an idol to Yang and so many, had dropped a bombshell the day before the game by announcing his intention to quit the North Londoners this summer.
He is widely tipped to move to America, where MLS side LAFC want to make him their new marquee player.
The press conference revelation meant this friendly against Eddie Howe’s Alexander Isak-less Toon was always going to be more about a Son love-in than the action on the pitch.
It looks like with Madders a bad injury and then on the other side unbelievable scenes for Son from his team-mates and the respect from the Newcastle players.
Thomas Frank
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 Son’s exit-plan announcement.
Chairman Daniel Levy shook Son’s hand as the two teams lined up, along with all the players, while Magpies star Anthony Gordon gave the Spurs skipper a big hug.
A trumpet in the crowd played the tune ‘Nice one Sonny’ song, to which the 66,000 fans added the words, while ‘Hey Jude’ was belted out over the loudspeaker, allowing fans to change the eponymous words to ‘Sonny’.
Brennan Johnson even did Son’s trademark camera-shot celebration after giving Spurs an early lead, much to the delight of his outgoing team-mate.
The hope had been that Son could cap the occasion with a goal, but unfortunately, he did not have any chances to make it happen, as Harvey Barnes’ banger on 38 minutes sealed a draw.
Son’s number was up in the 64th minute and the players on both sides formed an impromptu guard of honour as he came off.
The 33-year-old, who capped ten years at the club in May by finally winning a trophy with the Europa League triumph, hugged everyone on the Spurs bench as he came off.
Frank revealed: “I think it’s very likely Sonny’s last game because it’s very close.”
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.
Maddison, who had not taken to the pitch at that point, was among those to applaud and embrace his beloved team-mate.
But unfortunately, shortly afterwards, the England man became a talking point from the draw itself as he sustained his worrisome injury.
Son was crying again as he did a lap of honour in front of his most ardent fans after the final whistle.
With the capital of his homeland being a fitting location for his final game.
Fighting back tears after the game, he 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.”
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