“Gwangyang Jesus” Valdivia (30, Jeonnam Dragons) wants to become a “winner” in the all-time ranking competition.
After finishing the 37th round of Hana Bank K League 2 2024 1-1 with “leading FC Anyang” on the 29th, Valdivia said, “It means a lot to have a draw with Anyang, a very good team,” adding, “The season is not over yet, and our team is doing well enough.”
South Jeolla Province has consistently maintained its second place for four months since May, but its ranking fell as it lost three consecutive games last month. With two games left in the league, South Jeolla Province, ranked fourth, is likely to win a playoff (PO) ticket given to the second to fifth-ranked teams. However, since the ranking table is fluctuating every round, the team that will advance to the PO is expected to be determined only after the final match is over.
Valdivia, the ace player of his team, said, “The most important thing from now on is to stay alert and concentrate. To train hard and win games, you need to focus basically.” He meant that he should never slip away from now on.
Valdivia, who is good at scoring goals, making assists and making chances, joined Jeonnam last year and scored 14 goals and 14 assists to win the MVP award in the 2023 season. He has scored 10 goals and five assists in 31 league matches this season, leading the team to seek promotion. Valdivia, who also has close relationship with Neymar (Al Hilal) after serving as a member of the Brazilian national team by age, is said to have “different method (different level)” within the so-called second division. 안전놀이터
Rejecting courtship by a number of K League 1 teams, he signed a contract with Jeonnam during this season, showing so much affection for his team. Fans are also calling him “Jesus in the Gwangyang” and showing their affection.
Valdivia said, “My first priority is to be on the PO list for the fans who love me. Next is promotion. I want to do my best to meet the closest goal I can see and even get promoted.”
This year’s K-League is fierce, including competition to get PO tickets in the second division and low-ranking fights in the first division. Valdivia said, “We are watching the results of the K-League 2 and the first division games,” but added, “We are just checking (who will be the opponent of Jeonnam, including PO) and focusing on doing well.”