(AP) — South Korea captain Son Heung-min enters his fourth World Cup feeling like a “young boy again” and expecting some extra support from the Mexican fans.

Son, who will debut with South Korea at this year's tournament against the Czech Republic in a Group A match in Guadalajara on Thursday, has been playing in Los Angeles in the US Major League. In nearby Mexico, he has been called “Sonaldo,” a reference that some say is to Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo and others to former Brazil striker Ronaldo.

“I’m in LA now and there are a lot of Mexicans there,” he said through a translator on Wednesday. “I can feel their passion and love for soccer, and they support me a lot. I’m very thankful and grateful.”