Ki Sung-yueng, the captain of FC Seoul, who returned after four months of overcoming injury, thanked Lingard, who led the team to the top split, hard-working players, and fans for their constant support.
Ki Sung-yueng was substituted for Lee Seung-mo in the 22nd minute of the second half in the 35th round of Hana Bank K League 1 2024 against Suwon FC at Suwon Stadium in Gyeonggi Province on the 26th.
It was the first return match in four months since the match against Gwangju on June 2.
Ki Sung-yueng, whose swelling was found on the Achilles tendon, has focused on recovery.
Coach Kim Ki-dong said Ki Sung-yueng’s condition before the game was around 60%, predicting that it will take time to restore the rhythm of the game.
However, head coach Kim took out Ki Sung-yueng’s card in the 22nd minute of the second half with Seoul leading 1-0.
Ki Sung-yueng also aimed for the goal himself with a thunderous mid-range shot in the 39th minute of the second half.
Ki Sung-yueng said, “It’s been a difficult time for the past four months, but I think it’s been a time to refresh my body again,” adding, “As the injury got longer, there was a little frustrating personally, but I think I focused on recovering rather than rushing.”
Coach Kim Ki-dong said, “If I didn’t have a goal, I tried to put Ki Sung-yueng in at the beginning of the second half, but as I scored in the first half, I delayed the timing of the introduction a little more,” adding, “Ki Sung-yong took the center of the team well. I also hit a shot at the end, but it would have been better if the goal went in.”
Ki Sung-yueng also expressed his gratitude to his juniors who confirmed Seoul’s advance to the Final A for the first time in five years while he left the team.
Ki said, “It was especially hot in the summer, but I came to the top split for the first time because I accumulated a lot of wins. I feel like I’m just putting on a spoon, but I’m puzzled.”
Regarding Lingard, who has been wearing the captain’s armband, he said, “I think Lingard can make the claim next year.”
Ki Sung-yueng said, “Lingard played a good role as captain. Lingard himself has improved his performance and physical condition compared to the beginning of the season, which is very helpful to the team, and he has a lot of good influence on the players in his leadership as well,” pushing Lingard as the captain of the 2025 season.
He also expressed his regret and gratitude to his fans.
Ki Sung-yueng said, “I was sorry to have been away from the ground for such a long time. I’m encouraged by the fans’ support. I hope they can go to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Asian Champions League (ALC) for their fans.”
Ki Sung-yueng, who self-evaluated that his physical condition was around 70%, said, “The practice game and the main game are different. It’s a shame that the season is just around the corner, but I’ll play the last three games well so that I can help the team no matter how many minutes I play.” 토토사이트
When asked if he could expect Ki Sung-yueng to play full-time in the future, Ki Sung-yueng smiled vaguely, saying, “I don’t know.”
“It’s good if your body suddenly gets better, but you’ve been out of the ground for a long time,” he said. “You have to judge in the best direction for the team.”
Still, he can continue to play the role of a veteran who holds the center of the team.
Ki Sung-yueng said, “We have three games left, but we have to push to the limit and win,” adding, “I hope the players we showed in the summer will come out to the end of the season.”