Park Ji-sung, the “eternal captain,” showed his affection for his juniors by supporting Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Yang Min-hyuk (Gangwon), who represent the present and future of Korean soccer.
After attending the “2024 13th JS Foundation Talent Student Support Event” at the Suwon World Cup Stadium WI Convention in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do on the 8th as the chairman of the foundation, Park Ji-sung said, “I hope you will play soccer happily.”
Son Heung-min, who joined the A-team for the first time in late 2010, has played 131 A-match games so far. Since 2018, he has been named the longest-tenured captain in the history of Korean soccer by wearing the A-team captain’s armband.
Son’s hamstring injury (muscle behind his thigh) that he suffered in his team led to his failure to join the national team last month. Some predicted that Son’s physical condition is not the same as before, and that his retirement from the national team is approaching.
“It is up to me to retire from the national team due to knee injury,” Park said. “I retired early due to knee problems when I was a player, but (Son) is in a different situation. Until now, Heung-min has made fans happy by showing good performances in the national team. I respect that decision even if I decide to retire from the national team.”
“The most important thing is how much you enjoy your career,” he said, adding, “I just hope Heung-min plays well without injury.”
Park Ji-sung suffered from a knee injury at the end of his career, and retired from active duty at the early age of 33 in 2014.
Even after his retirement, Park rarely participated in charity soccer matches due to his knee injury, which surprised Korean soccer fans by making a surprise appearance at Nexon’s “iKON Match” on April 20. Some fans showed their affection for Park in tears. 안전놀이터
Park Ji-sung said, “Fans were very happy to see me play and welcomed me, so I thought, ‘Should I have postponed my retirement from the active role?’ I was surprised and thrilled,” adding, “I will check my knee condition and make sure to greet my fans more at the stadium in the future.”
In addition, Park Ji-sung did not forget his advice to Yang Min-hyuk, who is about to advance to Tottenham.
“As (Son) Heung-min said, I have to study English and go to the European leagues. He must be very good at soccer, but when he moves to a new place, communication within the team is the most important thing,” Park said. “English is important to convey one’s thoughts and appeal one’s strengths.”