Son Heung-min admits LAFC wasn't his first choice | OneFootball

When Son Heung-min was finally allowed to speak, some 22 minutes after the press conference began, the South Korean national team captain admitted that LAFC wasn't his first choice, but that he's arrived in Los Angeles to win.(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Son Heung-min was unveiled as a Los Angeles Football Club player on Wednesday 6th August, local time. The club had teased the unveiling the day before with word of a "major announcement" circulating at the Leagues Cup match the night before, a match that Son was seen watching from the VIP box.

That major announcement was that the club have signed Son Heung-min on a contract until 2027 with an option to extend to 2029, taking him to his 35th or potential 37th birthday.

Those in attendance and those watching the live stream on YouTube were made to wait for Son to be finally allowed to speak, but when he did, he expressed his delight at signing for the club.

"I feel like my dream came true. Thank you to the group of owners who have worked hard for me to come to this team. Honestly, this team wasn't my first choice. But when I first heard from John Thorrington after the season, my mind, my mind completely changed. He showed me a direction to go in this team. Now I'm here, and I'm happy. I'm happy to see Korean fans."

"The atmosphere in the stadium was really huge. Watching the Leagues Cup game in person the day before. I wanted to run right away and show my skills. I just thank everyone who worked so hard for me to come to this team. I'm here to win. I'll try to show you something exciting."

Why LAFC?

Even before arriving in LA, before departing Korea, Son went on record saying that he decision had been made with the World Cup in mind.

"[It] could be my last World Cup, so I thought it should be an environment where I can put everything into it."

Those leading the press conference emphasised that LA is home to the most Koreans outside of Seoul, and Son acknowledged that this was a major factor.

"There are many reasons why LA and LAFC was a destination for me. As a Korean to know that Korea Town has so many Koreans. I’m proud of this club and I will do the best I can to represent this city."

The move also represents a new challenge.

"Just because I had a successful career in Europe doesn't mean I will here. So I want to see this as a new challenge and do my best and all that. I want to give back to the ownership and the team and the club, and do the best I can and leave when the time comes as a legend of the club."

He's also determined to add more medals to his collection before he leaves MLS.

"I'm here to win, and I will perform, and I will definitely show you something exciting. I will definitely show some exciting football, and we definitely will have success."

Why did he leave Spurs?

"I felt like I gave it my all. I felt like I needed a new chapter. You could say I’m old, but I still have a good physicality, good legs, good qualities. I’m here to perform, but also I want to give some advice to the young players for improvement. I can’t wait to meet all the players, the team."