Son savors warm reception on MLS debut

Son Heung-min said he had never experienced such a welcoming atmosphere at an away game after making his Major League Soccer debut for Los Angeles FC against Chicago Fire, where he was greeted by a packed crowd at SeatGeek Stadium in Illinois.

Son joined LAFC for a record-breaking MLS transfer fee on Wednesday after a 10-year spell at Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. At Tottenham, he bagged 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 appearances and led the team to its first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League title in May.

The 33-year-old South Korea skipper made a lively debut in black and gold late on Saturday, drawing a penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw with Chicago.

"This was an exciting time, for a whole week, joining LAFC; it was huge," Son told reporters. "There was only one thing I wanted to do, and today, being on the pitch, I think it was fantastic.

"With the result, it's a little bit disappointing, because I think we should have got three points, but, generally, I think I'm very, very happy and excited.

"I really enjoyed it. I've never had this at away games. I used to play in the Premier League. When I played at away grounds they were always booing me and always booing the players, but it was nice to see people were celebrating, people were enjoying the football."

Son's move is expected to resonate with Los Angeles' sizeable Korean community. The team's stadium is just south of Koreatown.

"I want to do well for MLS, because I came here to make this league big," Son said.

Son will not make his home debut until Aug 31, when Western Conference leader San Diego will visit LA.

But, around the Fire's SeatGeek Stadium there were a lot of fans wearing his jerseys, waving South Korean flags and holding up signs welcoming Son to MLS.

Cheers greeted his entry in place of David Martinez in the 61st minute with the teams level at 1-1.

"It was a decent 30 minutes in my legs, so, yeah, getting ready for next week," Son said.

"We'll see how I progress with the training sessions and with the players, and we'll see (if), next week, I can start and make a big impact."

LAFC will play New England Revolution in Massachusetts on Aug 16.

Agencies