“LAFC wasn’t my first choice – but they changed my heart”: Son Heung-min reveals what convinced him to join MLS
Son Heung-min has officially been unveiled as an LAFC player, and while the move had long been rumoured, the 33-year-old admitted that Major League Soccer wasn’t his initial plan.
Speaking at his first press conference as an LAFC forward, Son revealed that general manager John Thorrington played a pivotal role in changing his mind following his emotional exit from Tottenham Hotspur.
“He changed my heart, he changed my brain,” Son said. “He showed me the destination where I should be.”
And with that, MLS’s most expensive-ever signing declared:
“I’m here to win. I will perform, and I will definitely show you something exciting.”
A historic arrival in Los Angeles
Son landed in Southern California on Tuesday to finalise the deal, reported to exceed $26.5 million — a new record for inbound MLS transfers. That evening, he was introduced to LAFC supporters during a Leagues Cup win over Tigres, receiving a thunderous reception.
Wednesday’s official unveiling at BMO Stadium’s Field Club was a spectacle in itself. Son’s image lit up the exterior of the stadium, with “Welcome” messages displayed in English, Korean, and Spanish. Inside, he was joined by Thorrington, club owner Bennett Rosenthal, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who proclaimed Son an “official Angeleno.”
“LA — what a city,” Son smiled. “This is a dream come true.”
A move inspired by connection, not convenience
While Son received interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and beyond, he explained that it was Thorrington’s passion and clarity of vision that sold him on the LAFC project.
Former Spurs teammate and now LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris also played a role in the recruitment.
“Hugo advised me a lot about how great Los Angeles is,” Son noted.
Yet Son was adamant that this isn’t a swan song.
“I’m not here to relax. I’m here to play football, to compete, and to give back everything I’ve received.”
“I’m proud to represent the Korean community here”
With an estimated 320,000 Koreans living in greater Los Angeles, the city holds personal and cultural significance for Son. He highlighted the local Korean-American fanbase as one of the main reasons behind his decision.
“As a Korean, I’m proud to be part of this club and this city. I’ll do everything I can to make them proud.”
His words were met with applause from supporters — including those tuning in from around the world. The event was livestreamed globally, with thousands of Korean-language messages flooding the YouTube chat in real-time.
“I’ve done everything at Spurs. I needed something new.”
Earlier this week in Seoul, Son opened up about the difficulty of leaving Tottenham after a decade, calling it “the hardest decision” of his career.
“I achieved everything I could at Spurs. I felt it was time for a new challenge — something that pushes me again.”
Despite his age, Son was confident about his physical readiness:
“I think we can say I’m old,” he joked, “but I’ve still got good legs and good quality.”
In Korean, he added via interpreter:
“Just because I had success in Europe doesn’t mean it will come easy here. I want to earn everything again from the ground up.”
Debut expected soon — LAFC chase more silverware
Pending receipt of his P-1 visa, Son is eligible to make his debut this Saturday against Chicago Fire (8:30 p.m. ET). His first home appearance is likely to come on 1 September vs. San Diego FC or 21 September vs. Real Salt Lake.
LAFC are currently sixth in the Western Conference, 10 points off the top but with games in hand — and a playoff run firmly within reach. With Son’s arrival, the Black & Gold will aim for their second MLS Cup in three years.
“When the time comes,” Son said, “I want to leave as a legend of this club.”