After a decade of dazzling Premier League fans in a Tottenham shirt, Son Heung-min has officially turned the page to a brand-new adventure.
But here’s the twist—his move to Los Angeles FC wasn’t love at first sight.
In fact, the South Korean star has now revealed that MLS wasn’t even his first choice.
Son Gets Honest About the Move to LAFC
Speaking at his first press conference in California, Son admitted something you don’t often hear from big-name transfers: he needed convincing.
“If I’m being honest, LAFC wasn’t my first pick,” he said candidly.
“But John [Thorrington, LAFC’s general manager] was the first one to call me after the season ended. He changed my heart.”
It was that conversation, Son shared, that flipped the switch and made him see a new kind of future—one under the Californian sun, with a black-and-gold jersey instead of Spurs’ white.
A Warm Welcome from LAFC and Korean Fans
Just a day before the big announcement, Son was already getting a feel for the LAFC vibe—he was spotted in the stands during their 2-1 win over Tigres, and was clearly moved by the sea of Korean fans cheering him on.
“I wanted to run on the pitch and perform right then and there,” he laughed.
“But now I’m here to win, and I’m going to give you exciting football—or should I say soccer?”
Closing the Book on a Tottenham Legacy
Leaving Spurs wasn’t an easy decision. Son spent 10 emotional years at the North London club, scoring 173 goals and becoming not just a fan favorite, but a club icon.
In his farewell message to Tottenham supporters, he wrote:
“I’ve been thinking for days about how to find the right words.
It’s impossible… Tottenham has been my home since 2015. When I arrived, I didn’t speak English, I didn’t know London—but you welcomed me.
I was just a boy from Korea with big dreams. Ten years later, North London is forever in my heart.”
He went on to reflect on his journey—from becoming a godfather to captaining the club—calling his exit the “hardest decision ever.”
Still Hungry, Still Ready
At 33, Son doesn’t feel like he’s winding down. In fact, he’s hungry for more.
“I felt very empty after leaving Spurs,” he admitted.
“But I knew I needed a new challenge. I still feel strong physically. I still have the quality.”
He made it clear to LAFC fans that he didn’t come to the MLS for a quiet final act—he came to compete, excite, and win.
Reuniting With an Old Friend
Son won’t be the only familiar face at LAFC. He’s set to reunite with former Tottenham teammate and long-time captain Hugo Lloris, who also made the move to Los Angeles.
Their partnership could be just what LAFC needs after topping the Western Conference last season but falling short in the playoffs.
The team lost to Seattle Sounders, and LA Galaxy eventually claimed the MLS Cup.
A New Era Begins in California
So while it wasn’t part of his original plan, Son’s move to LAFC marks the start of something new—and potentially game-changing—for both the club and the league.
And if Son’s words are anything to go by, he’s not just here to play out his career quietly—he’s here to light up the pitch and inspire the next generation, from Korea to California.
