Son Heung-min Says LAFC Move Wasn’t His First Choice, But “Changed His Heart” After Talks With Club President

South Korean forward Son Heung-min has admitted that joining Los Angeles FC wasn’t initially part of his plans, but a conversation with the club’s co-president, John Thorrington, convinced him to take on a new challenge in Major League Soccer, Sport360NG reports.

LAFC are understood to have paid over £20 million to secure the services of the former Tottenham Hotspur captain, a fee that breaks the previous MLS transfer record set earlier this year by Atlanta United’s £16.5 million signing of Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough.

Son, 33, has signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles-based club, which includes an option to extend for a further two seasons. The move brings an end to a remarkable 10-year spell at Tottenham, where he became a club legend.

Speaking at his unveiling on Wednesday, Son said: “To be honest, LA wasn’t my first option. But after I spoke with John following the end of my season, everything changed. He made me see this as the right place for my next chapter, and now that I’m here, I couldn’t be happier.”

The veteran attacker was in attendance for LAFC’s 2-1 Leagues Cup victory over Mexican side Tigres UANL on Tuesday night, days after confirming his Tottenham departure during a news conference.

In a statement released by the club, Son expressed his ambition to contribute to LAFC’s growing legacy: “Los Angeles is a city built on champions, and I’m here to help write the next chapter. This is a fresh challenge in MLS, and I’ve come to fight for titles and give my all for the club, the city, and the fans.”

Son reunites at LAFC with former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris, joining a side currently sitting sixth in the MLS Western Conference standings.

He made his final appearance for Tottenham in a friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul on Sunday. Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, Son scored 173 goals in 454 matches for Spurs, becoming one of the most influential players in the club’s modern history.

He captained the North London club to Europa League glory in May, helping them defeat Manchester United and end a 17-year wait for silverware.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy paid tribute to the departing star: “Sonny is among the greatest to ever wear the Lilywhite shirt. His talent, character, and leadership have been a gift to our club for a decade. He’s touched hearts around the world, and we are deeply thankful for everything he’s given us.

“He will always have a home at Tottenham, and we wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”