Los Angeles, Aug 7 (AP) Son Heung-min made his initial trip to Los Angeles seven years ago during Tottenham's summer tour. He engaged with Los Angeles FC's Korean supporters club and even wore a sombrero given by appreciative Mexican fans, thanking the South Korean forward for his memorable goal in the 2018 World Cup.
Son had originally planned another visit to Los Angeles and Las Vegas years ago, but those plans were derailed after he broke his arm in a game. "I thought I might never come back to Los Angeles, but now I'm here," Son expressed with a laugh.
Son anticipates having ample time to relish the city this time as he embarks on the next phase of his distinguished career with LAFC. "I'm here to win, and I will perform," Son declared on Wednesday. "I will definitely show you something exciting ... are we calling it football or soccer? I will definitely show some exciting football, and we definitely will have success." LAFC officially unveiled its new star at a bustling press conference at BMO Stadium, where his image already dominates the main entrance gates and video billboards across miles surrounding the arena.
The 33-year-old icon returns to the Pacific Rim after a professional career in Europe, including the last decade at Spurs. "What can I say? Dream come true. LA, what a city," remarked Son, who will don the No. 7 jersey in black and gold.
Son signed with LAFC as a designated player through the 2027 season and possesses two contract options extending his stay potentially to June 2029. LAFC shelled out a transfer fee exceeding $20 million, potentially setting an MLS record with this landmark signing since Lionel Messi.
"I'm here to make this league even bigger, and I will do anything to make this club in a better position," Son stated.
Recognized broadly as the greatest Asian player in soccer history, Son drew interest from global teams after opting to depart from Spurs with a year left on his contract. He acknowledged that the choice to join LAFC wasn't immediately apparent.
His decision to transition to MLS was swayed after dialogues with LAFC general manager John Thorrington, who convinced Son of the club's aspiration to evolve into an international brand and the most accomplished club in North America. Son found the opportunity to play in a city boasting the largest ethnic Korean population outside Korea appealing, along with a vibrant base of soccer aficionados from diverse backgrounds who revere his achievements.
"If I'm honest, it was not my first choice," Son admitted. "But from the first call when I talked to John after the season finished, he just changed my mind. He changed my heart. He changed my brain. He showed me the destination where I should be. Right now, I'm here. I'm more than happy." On a humorous note, Son noted that he was also eagerly pursued by Hugo Lloris, his long-time teammate at Tottenham, currently LAFC's starting goalkeeper.
Lloris praised his family's experience in LA — with a single reservation. "Hugo only said the traffic is bad," Son said smilingly. "But I know London, the traffic is also quite bad. The traffic I can deal with, no problem. I just have to leave 10 minutes earlier. I'm experienced, you know?"
Son now joins a wave of soccer luminaries from European leagues flocking to Hollywood for their subsequent acts. Gareth Bale, Giorgio Chiellini, and Olivier Giroud have adorned the LAFC kit, whereas crosstown competitors LA Galaxy have welcomed even more European superstars, including David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robbie Keane, and Marco Reus.
Son did not display a notable decline in performance during the past season as Tottenham's captain and maintains good physical condition following Spurs' summer tour of Asia. While no specific date was provided for his LAFC debut, it is anticipated to occur this month on the road since LAFC's next home game isn't until Aug. 31.
"I just felt like I need a new chapter, I need a new challenge, and I chose LAFC," Son revealed. "I think we can say I'm old, but I still have good physicality, good legs, and still have good quality. I'm here to perform, but also I want to give some advice to the young players for improvement. That's why we are here."
Son's introduction event was graced by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, South Korea's consul general, numerous Korean journalists, and an enthusiastic crowd from LAFC's supporters' group, celebrated for their constant energetic chants during games.
"On behalf of millions of Angelenos and soccer fans around the world — Sonny, welcome to Los Angeles," greeted Mayor Bass. "This is a moment that will be remembered in the city for generations to come."
Son had already sampled LAFC fans' fervor when he attended the club's Leagues Cup triumph over Tigres, expressing that he was awed by the dynamic atmosphere at BMO Stadium, even for a non-MLS match primarily featuring LAFC's reserve players.
"Yesterday I was in the game watching you guys supporting like crazy," Son recalled. "It was insane. I just wanted to run onto the pitch and show you guys my performance." (AP) APA APA
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