'Son Heung-min came to LA?'
The news that Son Heung-min joined LA FC in the U.S. Professional Football Association (MLS) led clubs using the same hometown to welcome him.
LA FC announced Son Heung-min will take a place on the 'International Player roster' and has signed a two-year contract with a two-year option until 2027. The number is seven. According to ESPN and others, Son Heung-min's transfer fee was $26.5 million (about 36.8 billion won), breaking the all-time MLS record.
On the 7th (Korea time), LA FC posted a series of comments on the official SNS post announcing Son Heung-min's joining, including the LA Dodgers (baseball), LA Rams (American football), and LA Clippers (basketball).
The Los Angeles Dodgers, once home to infielder Kim Hye-sung, a former Korean Golden Glove winner, and Japanese pitcher Ohtani, once held Park Chan-ho's status as a `people's club' Welcome to Los Angeles, Son Heung-min! Go for it!." Fighting showed the meticulousness of writing in Korean.
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Rams also expressed their welcome. MLS described L.A. as 'home' and wrote "Welcome home" David Beckham, a former English superstar and current MLS Inter Miami owner, left a heart emoji with the words `Welcome to MLS, my friend, and to LA.' Not only Apple TV, which is closely related to U.S. sports, but also American rock stars and various soccer media welcomed Son with open arms.
Even the joining ceremony at LA's BMO Stadium was attended by LA Mayor Karen Bath, Federal Representative Dave Min, LA City Councilman Heather Hut, and Korean Consul General Kim Young-hwan. This is a glimpse of Son Heung-min's international status.
Son Heung-min said, "My dream came true. L.A. is a huge city. To be honest, L.A. wasn't my first option. But soon after the season, John (Sorrington) changed his mind with his first phone call. Showed me a vision, and I ended up here. I didn't just come to LA, I came to win."
Son Heung-min, who has played for Tottenham for 10 years since 2015 and is recognized as a 'living legend', is also emotional to leave a club he has played for 10 years. It feels like the deep part of my heart is empty because I gave everything to Tottenham. I wanted a new challenge to fill it. I'm older than before, but I'm still in good shape. I can help the team and give advice that will help young players grow. I can't wait to meet the players"
He confessed that he had a conversation with Hugo Lloris, a colleague of Tottenham's time and current LA FC member, during the transfer process.
Son Heung-min, who is considered the best soccer star of all time in Korea, is expected to raise the status of Asian sports with the representative of LA along with Ohtani in the future.
Meanwhile, LA FC ranked sixth among 15 Western Conference teams this season. The team will play the 25th round of MLS against the Chicago Fire at Chicago's Shink Stadium on the 10th. The next match is against New England at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Son Heung-min is likely to make his debut against New England.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
