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'LA FC's new No.7' Son Heung-min (33)'s debut is imminent.
LA FC announced on its official channel on the 9th (Korea time) that `Son Heung-min left Chicago with the team.' LA FC will play a regular league away game against Chicago Fire FC at 9:30 a.m. on the 10th at Citgig Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. LA FC said Son Heung-min qualified for the match against Chicago.
Tom Bogert, who is considered the first tier of the U.S. Major League Soccer, also said on social media that he has received Son Heung-min's visa and is ready to make his debut against Chicago.
Son Heung-min recently confirmed his move to LA FC. LA FC announced Son Heung-min's recruitment on its official channel on the 7th. LA FC is registered as a designated player (a player not covered by salary cap) until 2027, and has an option to extend it until 2028. It also includes options up to June 2029' LA FC introduced Son Heung-min as `one of the most talented and popular Asian players in the history of football.'
Son Heung-min, who greeted his fans in advance at BMO Stadium in the U.S., where the League Cup match against Tigress, a Mexican club, was held on the 6th, went to an official press conference shortly after the official announcement.
In addition to club officials such as LA FC co-chairman and general manager Joe Torrington and senior owner Bennett Rosenthal, Son Heung-min's joining ceremony also included local politicians such as LA Mayor Karen Bath, federal Representative Dave Min, LA City Councilman Heather Hut and LA Consul General Kim Young-wan. They welcomed Son Heung-min to join LA FC in Korean, such as "Hello" and "Welcome." It was a point where you can see how interested Son Heung-min is. Mayor Bath will declare that Sonny is officially Angelino", he also presented a specially made citizenship card as a gift.
Opening his mouth amid cheers from many fans, Son said, "My dream came true. L.A. is a huge city. I'm also grateful to the various owners who tried to bring me in. LAFC wasn't the first option, but after the end of the season John changed my mind with the first call. Showed me a vision of where to go, and ended up here. I'm happy. I am also grateful to the fans who gave me tremendous support at the stadium the day before. I didn't just come to LA, I came to win. We will show good performances on the field, and I believe there will be good results."
Attention was focused on Son's debut match. Son Heung-min is in the best shape. He said "You don't have to worry about your physical condition because you played well in the preseason. Of course, many people, including coaches, have to decide to play the game. There is still a lot to prepare for the paperwork. But I came here to play soccer. I want to greet you at the stadium as soon as possible. The goal is to play as fast as possible."
The key was documents. LA FC said Son Heung-min will be able to play immediately if he gets a U.S. P-1 visa and International Transition Certificate (ITC). Depending on whether or not a visa is issued, it is expected to be his debut match against the Chicago Fire on the 10th at the earliest or the New England Revolution on the 17th at the latest. Visa is coming out faster than expected, and he is expected to play three days after entering LA FC.
Son Heung-min's joining is inevitably welcome from the perspective of LA FC, which is seeking to chase the lead. LA FC ranks sixth in the Western Conference with 10 wins, 6 draws and 6 losses (36 points). Although it is 10 points behind the leading San Diego FC (46 points), LA FC has played three less games. LA FC, which includes Son Heung-min, is trying to narrow the distance.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
