An emotional Son announced on Saturday in his homeland that he would be leaving Spurs, just months after ending the club's 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Europa League as captain.

He leaves as Tottenham's fifth highest goalscorer of all-time with 173 goals in 454 appearances.

"I'm here to win, and I will perform," he said at an introductory press conference at BMO Stadium that was packed with US and South Korean media, fans and luminaries, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

He was already itching to get to work with his new teammates, after watching them beat Mexican club Tigres UANL 2-1 in a Leagues Cup match on Tuesday night amid rabid support from fans energized by rumors of his imminent arrival.

"It was just, like, insane," he said. "I just wanted to run onto the pitch and show my performance."

“Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,” said LAFC co-president & general manager John Thorrington.

"We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career.

"Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual, and we are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community – both on and off the pitch."

Son's imminent arrival drew crowds on Tuesday to Los Angeles International Airport with fans waving Korea Republic flags and messages of support.

Son will replace French striker Olivier Giroud, who was sold to Lille in July, and will share a dressing room with French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, his former teammate at Tottenham.

Source: AFP