LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris expressed excitement about reuniting with Son Heung-min after their years together at Tottenham Hotspur, praising the Korean forward’s leadership, adaptability, and competitive drive. The interview took place on August 8 at 12 p.m. at the Los Angeles Football Club Performance Center on the campus of Cal State LA in east Los Angeles.
Lloris said Son contacted him before joining LAFC to ask about the club, city, and league. He gave an honest overview, noting that Son remains highly motivated as captain of both Tottenham and the Korean national team, with the next World Cup approaching. “It’s amazing to be together again—different jersey, same ambition,” Lloris said.
He described Son as a player who can adapt quickly to the team’s system and the coach’s demands, able to play on the left or as a number nine, use either foot effectively, and change the course of a match in one-on-one situations. At 33, Son still maintains strong fitness, and the open style of Major League Soccer (MLS) will suit his ability to exploit space. Lloris also said he was eager to see Son link up with Denis Bouanga, calling the forward dedicated and a model of strong work ethic.
While Lloris admitted he did not expect Son to move to MLS, he said the decision made sense after a decade at Tottenham, where Son, according to Lloris, “won the Europa League last season” and earned global respect. “At some point, you need a new target. For the league, the city, the club, and our team, it’s great. There’s so much to learn from him—the way he trains, prepares, and competes. I expect him to have a big impact,” Lloris said.
Lloris was unsure whether Son would be eligible for LAFC’s next match but said their first meeting since Son’s arrival felt like no time had passed. “We spent many years together at Tottenham—around eight years—sharing so many games and training sessions. The motivation and ambition are still in his eyes.”
He also addressed their well-known on-field dispute in 2020, saying it reflected the competitive pressure at the time and had no impact on their relationship. “We’re so close. The pressure to reach the top four was huge. We’re competitors, and sometimes emotions boil over. I made a mistake doing it in public, but inside the locker room these things happen. We’ve moved forward and now look at it in a funny way,” he said.
Lloris concluded by stressing that Son’s personality and leadership remain invaluable. “He knows his responsibilities and ambitions. It’s a fantastic addition for the team and the future of the club.”
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
AND YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
