Son Heung-Min arrived in Los Angeles on the welcome of a hero on both Tuesday and Wednesday, when the former Tottenham star Forward and Team Captain completed a deal to compete with Lafc.
On Tuesday evening, the Korean superstar observed the Leagues Cup match of his future team versus Tiges (a 2-1 Lafc victory) of a suite at BMO Stadium. Fans roared their approval when he was introduced and recognized the supporters.
On Wednesday he was formally introduced and met the media after Tottenham and Lafc announced the record transfer.
The deal is for three years, but with options for 2028 and the first half of 2029. Sources report the value as USD 26.5 million – an MLS record for a player transfer.
«La,» said son, «what a city.»
Many factors waved Son’s decision to sign with the MLS team. During the press conference, he credited Lafc -who is director John Thorrington because he had convinced him that Los Angeles should be the next stop on his football trip.
«He changed my heart, he changed my brain,» Son said. «He showed me the destination where I should be.»
Son mentioned the thriving Korean community (about 320,000) in Los Angeles as another factor in his decision.
«As Korean, to know that Koreatown has so many Koreans here in Los Angeles, here in this country, I am very proud to be part of the club and the city,» he said through the interpreter. «And I will make them proud of my performance.»
Son mentioned the thriving Korean community (about 320,000) in Los Angeles as another factor in his decision. | Photocredit: Getty images
Son mentioned the thriving Korean community (about 320,000) in Los Angeles as another factor in his decision. | Photocredit: Getty images
He also credited the former Tottenham and the current Lafc goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who made a recruitment field.
«Hugo helped and advised on how great Los Angeles is,» Son said.
Related: Verses Spurs Captain Son in Tears On Emotional Evening while Tottenham Newcastle signs
In 10 seasons with London-based Premier League club Tottenham, SON 173 scored 173 goals in all competitions and was the first Asian player to win the Golden Boot Award of the Premier League in the 2021-22 season.
He previously played with Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga (2013-15).
Hugo Lloris and son Heung-Min celebrate winning a Premier League match during their time in Tottenham Hotspur. | Photocredit: Reuters
Hugo Lloris and son Heung-Min celebrate winning a Premier League match during their time in Tottenham Hotspur. | Photocredit: Reuters
After receiving his P-1 visa, the 33-year-old Saturday must be eligible to debut in Chicago.
«I think we can say I’m old,» Son said. «But I still have good physicality, good legs and I still have good quality.»
I am here to win … I will perform, and I will certainly show you something exciting. And we will have absolute success. «
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