‘Dream come true:’ Son Heung-min Joins LAFC, Newest Star to Make MLS Leap

Son Heung-min has arrived at LAFC with nice pleasure and even larger ambitions for the following stage of his groundbreaking soccer profession.

“I’m right here to win, and I’ll carry out,” Son mentioned at a packed information convention. “I’ll undoubtedly present you one thing thrilling … are we calling it soccer or soccer? I’ll undoubtedly present some thrilling soccer, and we undoubtedly could have success.”

LAFC formally launched its new ahead Wednesday at BMO Stadium, the place his likeness already looms over the primary entrance gates and on video boards surrounding the stadium. The 33-year-old South Korean famous person arrives after knowledgeable profession spent in Europe, together with the previous decade at Tottenham.

“What can I say? Dream come true. L.A., what a metropolis,” mentioned Son, who will put on No. 7 in black and gold.

Son had suitors from across the globe after he determined to depart Spurs, and he mentioned the choice to hitch LAFC initially wasn’t apparent. He got here round to the thought of shifting to MLS after conversations with LAFC basic supervisor John Thorrington, who bought Son on the 8-year-old membership’s ambition to be a global model and essentially the most profitable membership in North America.

“If I’m sincere, it was not my first alternative,” Son mentioned. “However (from the) first name once I talked to John after the season completed, he simply modified my thoughts. He modified my coronary heart. He modified my mind. He confirmed me the vacation spot the place I needs to be. Proper now, I’m right here. I’m very happy.”

Son laughingly mentioned he was additionally pitched aggressively by Hugo Lloris, his longtime teammate at Tottenham who’s now LAFC’s beginning goalkeeper.

Son is South Korea’s hottest athlete, and he’s extensively thought-about to be the best Asian soccer participant in historical past. He mentioned he already feels at residence in Los Angeles, which has the world’s largest ethnic Korean inhabitants exterior Korea and a strong base of soccer followers from all backgrounds who respect his accomplishments.

Son’s introductory information convention was attended by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, South Korea’s consul basic, a number of further politicians, dozens of Korean journalists and dozens of drum-beating, singing followers from the LAFC supporters’ group well-known for its relentless, raucous noise throughout matches. Son already obtained a style of LAFC followers’ ardour Tuesday when he attended the membership’s Leagues Cup victory over Tigres.

“On behalf of tens of millions of Angelenos and soccer followers around the globe — Sonny, welcome to Los Angeles,” Bass mentioned. “This can be a second that will likely be remembered within the metropolis for generations to return.”

Son joins a prolonged checklist of soccer stars from European leagues who moved to Hollywood for a second act of their careers. Gareth Bale, Giorgio Chiellini and Olivier Giroud have all suited up for LAFC, whereas the crosstown rival LA Galaxy have welcomed much more European superstars, together with David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robbie Keane and Marco Reus.

Son didn’t seem like in decline in the course of the previous season as Tottenham’s captain, and he mentioned he’s in good condition after collaborating in Spurs’ summer season tour of Asia. He didn’t set a date for his LAFC debut, however it might be this month.

“I simply felt like I want a brand new chapter, I want a brand new problem, and I select LAFC,” Son mentioned. “I believe we will say I’m outdated, however I nonetheless have a great physicality, good legs, and nonetheless have a great high quality. I’m right here to carry out, but additionally I wish to give some recommendation to the younger gamers for enchancment. That’s why we’re right here.”

Reporting by The Related Press. 

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