“For the fans, I will definitely play in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE).”
Ki Sung-yueng (FC Seoul), who returned from injury after four months, said this. He met with reporters shortly after winning 1-0 in an away match between Suwon FC and Hana Bank’s K League 1 2024 35th round (final A second round) at Suwon Stadium on the 26th.
Ki Sung-yueng was substituted in the 22nd minute of the second half of the day and took the ground. It was his first return match in four months after leaving in early June when swelling was found in the Achilles tendon. Ki Sung-yueng played for the first time in a long time, but he played an active role by maintaining a stable balance between offense and defense like a “top class” player.
“It took me a long time (to return to the team). It was a tough time,” Ki said after returning to the team. “Players have been going through a lot. Especially during the summer, it was quite hot and tough, but then I advanced to the Final A by accumulating a lot of wins. I want to thank the players. I feel like I am just on a spoon,” Ki said with a smile.
In fact, Ki Sung-yueng was expected to return in early September, but as his return was delayed, he stepped back on the ground on that day. “It was frustrating as the time was delayed while preparing for his return,” he said. “I was frustrated, but I focused on fully recovering rather than rushing.” “Fortunately, the team was getting good results, so I think it was less burdensome.”
When asked about his physical condition, Ki answered, “About 70 percent,” and added, “Since I have been away for a long time, I will have to have a meeting with the coach and consider the remaining three games while watching the progress of the training. It is more important to help the team than to have personal greed. I will do my best until the end no matter how many minutes I play.”
When Ki Sung-yueng was deployed as a substitute, Seoul fans cheered and applauded enthusiastically. “I’m so grateful and sorry,” he said, “Actually, I felt vulnerable as I was injured. I felt that way because I couldn’t get better continuously, but I think it’s helpful that the fans give me so much support.”
As for England, who led the team after receiving the captain’s armband during the injury, he thanked the team, saying, “They were so good when I wasn’t there,” adding, “They have improved a lot in their performance and physical condition, which is a great help to the team.” He added, “I think I can have a great influence on the players. I think I can be the captain next year.” 안전놀이터
Seoul has advanced to the Final A for the first time in five years. It is also the first time for Ki to advance to the Final A after returning to Seoul in 2020. “I feel dazed because it’s my first time,” he said. “Seoul has advanced to the Final A for the first time in a long time. I think it will be a meaningful moment for the fans as well. But you should not be satisfied here. I hope you get better results.”
“I hope the players have a clear sense of goal. I came to this place after hard work, and there are only three games left. I hope they are not satisfied here. I hope they fight until the end and push their limits,” he said, adding, “This is a really important time. I hope the perseverance and such performances that I showed in the summer come out in the remaining three games.”