“I didn’t even think about the point of attack.”
Park Chu-young (39, Ulsan HD), who predicted the end of his active career after this season, said on the last stage, thrilled that he filled 100 attack points on the Korean stage.
It was a cartoonish retirement game. In a home game against Suwon FC in the 38th round of the “Hana Bank K League 1 2024” held at Munsu Stadium in Ulsan on Sunday, Park was substituted in the 28th minute of the second half when his team was tying 2-2, and displayed one goal and one assist to lead the team to a landslide 4-2 victory.
Coach Kim Pan-gon, who has already confirmed his third consecutive K League 1 victory, declared ahead of the game that he will give Park Chu-young, who is on the replacement list, a chance to play for about 15 minutes regardless of the flow.
The game was fierce, and Park Joo-young soon became a winning move.
At 39 minutes in the second half, he exchanged one-two passes with Lee Gyu-seong on the left side of the penalty box before penetrating into the back space of defense. He then gave a superb pass to Ataru, who was catching up with him, helping him score the finishing goal. Five minutes later, he sent a sensational ball from the left side to the goal, bringing his right foot to the net and scoring a net shot.
Prior to the match, Kim had 99 offensive points (76 goals and 23 assists) in the Korean pro league. All of them were achieved by his former team FC Seoul. He added two more on the day, surpassing 100. It was a perfect “happy ending.” When Kim scored the goal, not only his teammates but also the coaches including Kim Pan-gon ran to him and hugged him.
“I never thought about the point of attack. I wanted to have fun kicking the ball to the end with the players,” Park said right after the match. “I scored because Cheong-yong raised the ball amazingly.” “It was a bold decision made by my teammates and coaches to include me (as a player) on the day of the (winning ceremony). Thank you.”
Next, Park Joo-young and Moon Jae-in
- How do you feel about the game?
I would like to express my gratitude to the players, the staff of the club and the coaching staff as well. The same was true in (the away game) Seoul (before), but the fact that they included me as a player on the day of the ceremony itself was possible due to the bold decision of the (colleague) players and the coaching staff. I am grateful.
- The coach said, “I ordered it to be resolved within 15 minutes.” He showed one goal and one assist.
“I didn’t expect to raise the offensive point. I just wanted to have fun kicking the ball to the end with the player.” I didn’t expect it at all, but Chung scored a point because he made such a high score.
- He achieved his 100th offensive point in his career.
I wanted to shoot (in Ataru’s assist situation), but I don’t think I would have gone in if I had done it. Ataru finished it well. I’m grateful that I got a good result.
- Are you retiring now.
I told him that I wanted to do it naturally. If I can’t see it, I think he retired. I hope he can pass it comfortably.
- (Seeing today’s game) I think I can do more as a player.
“It was hard to run. It is too much because it is physically difficult.” (Laughs)
- What’s your teammate’s reaction after the game?
I heard a lot that you did a good job. I worked with Cheong-yong since I was young. I felt new. I said a lot to Cheong-yong, “It was a very fun and happy time.”
- Head coach Kim Eun-joong, who assisted Joo-young in making his debut as a pro, said with a smile, “It seems like Joo-young gave him an assist even in his retirement.” He also said he would buy a meal in Seoul.
It is natural to give (a chance to buy a meal). As he said, Kim Eun-jung gave an assist to him on his debut goal after the game. After the game, he said, “Thank you for telling me that I did a great job.” 토토사이트
- Life after retirement?
I don’t have any ideas at the moment. I haven’t finished this season yet. I want to finish it well. I want to play a role that helps my team members. We should talk about it after that. Since I haven’t spent time with my family (as a player), shouldn’t I talk about that.
- Many fans cheered for me the other day in an away game in Seoul. What do you want to say when Ulsan fans encouraged you today?
Many fans supported me. This is my 20th year in the professional league. I could be in this moment because I received so much support and love for the past 20 years. I don’t know how to say “thank you,” but I really want to say “thank you.”