Son Heung-min says he wants to make MLS 'bigger' playing for Los Angeles FC
The eyes of soccer fans around the world will be on Los Angeles on Aug. 31, when Son Heung-Min plays his first-ever home game with Los Angeles FC.
Son, though, isn't feeling nervous leading up to his home game debut, the South Korean soccer superstar told ABC News' Trevor Ault in an exclusive interview that aired Thursday on "Good Morning America."
"Nerves are good things, you know, that gives you happiness, gives you smile," said Son, who joined LAFC, part of Major League Soccer, earlier this month after the team paid a record $20 million transfer fee to bring him over from England.
Son, 33, had previously spent a decade playing in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur F.C., one of English football's top teams.
Son told Ault he hopes he can make soccer a top draw in the United States, where more sports compete for fans' attention.
"In England, football is the No. 1 sport. This is like their culture," he said. "In the U.S., there's a lot of sports going on -- football, baseball. I joined here to make MLS bigger."
In just a few weeks with LAFC, Son appears to have already made his mark in growing the sport.
LAFC games are nearly sold out for the season. Son's LAFC jersey has broken sales records compared to all other athletes globally, according to the team's general manager.
Son said he is "grateful" for all the fan support.
"I'm so, so grateful that everybody is looking for my name or my shirt, and obviously that takes you another responsibility, you know, to give something back towards the club and towards the people who are supporting me," he said.
Since arriving in Los Angeles, Son said he has not only focused on soccer -- but also baseball.
On Wednesday, the soccer star threw out the first pitch at the Los Angeles Dodgers' home game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Son told Ault that he practiced for the pitch with his teammates and even his security guard.
"I said to the boys, 'If my first pitch is not good, I'm not gonna come to tomorrow's training,'" he said with a laugh.
Son makes his home LAFC debut at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 31, against San Diego FC.
