FC Seoul Lingard (31), who finished his first season in the K League, expressed his feelings.
Seoul won 3-1 at 2 p.m. on the 23rd, thanks to back-to-back goals from Cho Young-wook, Lim Sang-hyup, and Ronaldo in the 38th round of the away game between Gimcheon Sangmu and Hana Bank K League 1 2024 at Gimcheon Stadium.
As a result, Seoul, which accumulated 58 points (16 wins, 10 draws and 12 losses), settled in fourth place regardless of the results of other teams’ games, and became a fact that it secured tickets to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League next season.
Lingard was at the center of his performance, including his first advance to the Final A in five years, his best record, and his stellar performance. When Lingard decided to move to Seoul early this year, he had a big impact on the global soccer community, but his adaptation period was not as smooth as he was on the operating table due to his injury. “Honestly, I easily watched the K-League,” he said, confessing that he changed his mind due to Kim Ki-dong’s efforts to tame him.
Starting in the summer, Lingard displayed an upward trajectory. He displayed strong performance on both sides of offense and defense, showing dedication that was not revealed in offensive points (six goals and three assists in 26 games), and gradually adapted to the style of play in the K-League. For this reason, expectations are high for the next season, when Kim Ki-dong’s soccer team will gradually reveal its outline.
After the game, Lingard looked lighter than ever in the mixed zone. “I was so happy in Korea,” Lingard said. “I enjoyed every moment both inside and outside the stadium. Overall, the season was fun, but if you look closely, the good times and the bad times coexist. It was especially difficult when we lost for the fifth consecutive year. However, we did not lose our courage and confidence. If I could tell a little bit more, I think we didn’t win many points since we entered the final round.”
When asked what she would do for her vacation, she said, “I will spend most of my time with my family. I think I will spend a lot of time with my daughter.” She said, “It’s a shame that the UK is a little cold, but I will visit both Manchester and London to meet my friends. The most important thing is to come back healthy ahead of next season.” 토토사이트
During the final round media day last month, Lingard made headlines with his surprise remarks that he wanted to bring his best friend Paul Pogba to the K-League. When asked if he could take advantage of the opportunity to return to the U.K., he said with a smile, “I will make a list of Christmas parties (not a list for recruitment).”
Now, Lingard’s goal is clear. He aims to lead Seoul and lift the trophy. “Football itself is a great motivation for me,” Lingard said. “When I play in the ACL next season, I will be able to play in a really big game. As a player, I am very excited to play in a big game, and I am excited to feel that feeling again. It is not confirmed yet, but I think I will be able to advance to the league as we finished the season in the top four, and I will ask for a bonus if confirmed.”
“I think I have to say thank you to the fans. They showed great support by paying for the tickets for every game,” he said. “I want to go back to Seoul and have a great dinner with my teammates soon. Congratulations to Sang-hyup, Ronaldo and Young-wook. All three of them had a tough season, but they did their best at the training site. I was really happy to be able to fight as a team and family for one season.”