Son: LAFC "Changed My Heart" in Move
Son Heung-min has revealed that while joining Los Angeles FC wasn't initially his top choice, a conversation with the club's president ultimately convinced him to make the record-breaking move to Major League Soccer (MLS).
BBC Sport reports that LAFC paid over £20 million to acquire the former Tottenham Hotspur captain, with Son signing a two-year contract that includes an option for two additional years.
The 33-year-old South Korean international, who announced his departure from Tottenham after a decade with the club during a Saturday press conference, was present at LAFC's 2-1 Leagues Cup victory over Mexican side Tigres UANL on Tuesday.
Record-Breaking Transfer
This transfer fee surpasses the previous MLS record of £16.5 million paid by Atlanta United for Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough in February.
Son's Emotional Statement
"It's a dream come true. LA - what a city," Son expressed on Wednesday. "To be honest, this wasn't my first choice. But after my season ended, my first conversation with [LAFC co-president] John [Thorrington] completely changed my perspective."
He continued: "He showed me where I truly belonged. Now that I'm here, I couldn't be happier or more excited about this new chapter."
Club's Official Announcement
In LAFC's official statement, Son was quoted saying: "Los Angeles has an incredible championship legacy, and I'm honored to help write the next chapter. I'm embracing this MLS challenge wholeheartedly - I came to LA to win trophies and give my all for this club, this city, and our amazing fans."
Tottenham Legacy
Son's final appearance for Tottenham came in a 1-1 preseason friendly against Newcastle in Seoul last Sunday. During his nine-year tenure with Spurs after joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, he:
- Scored 173 goals in 454 appearances
- Captained the team to Europa League victory in May
- Helped end the club's 17-year trophy drought
Tottenham's Heartfelt Farewell
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy paid tribute: "Sonny ranks among the greatest players to ever wear our colors. Beyond his extraordinary football talent, he's an exceptional human being who has inspired everyone at the club and fans worldwide."
Levy added: "His contributions on and off the pitch have been immeasurable. While we'll miss him dearly, he'll always be welcome back as a cherished member of our Spurs family."
New Challenge Ahead
Son joins an LAFC squad currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference, where he'll reunite with former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris as he begins this exciting new phase of his career.
