Ex-Star Footballers Facing Murky Future
By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Some of South Korea’s former star footballers are facing an uncertain future as they enter the twilight years of their careers.
Lee Dong-gook was released by Seongnam Chunma after a four-month tenure, while Lee Chun-soo was suspended for bad behavior by Suwon BlueWings.
Daejeon Citizen midfielder Ko Jong-soo is being forced into retirement, with no apparent interest in the free agent.
Lee Dong-gook, 30, who spent an unprolific two years with Middlesbrough in the English Premier League (EPL), returned to the K-League in July with hopes of contributing to Chunma’s title bid.
But the seven-time league champion went 5-5 with two draws after he entered the fray and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
In addition, the former South Korean international, known for his sharpness in front of goal, netted just two goals in 13 matches.
Lee, who rose to stardom after playing at the Word Cup in 1998 at the tender age of 19, expects to continue his career in the J-League, but has yet to attract any interest from the other side of the East Sea. He has, however, confirmed that a few teams in the Russian and Middle East leagues have expressed a desire to discuss a possible move.
Lee Chun-soo, a former K-League Most Valuable Player (MVP), was loaned to the Bluewings for a year from Feyenoord in the Dutch league, but he failed to produce the goods, scoring only one goal in four matches.
The 27-year-old didn’t even make the bench during the championship series against FC Seoul in December.
Later in the month, last season’s league winner suspended Lee for missing practice and a failure to complete a rehabilitation program, which prevents him from moving to another team nor receiving a salary.
He also faced a fraud charge recently.
Ko resurrected his career in 2007, helping Daejeon reach the playoffs, heralding high expectations for 2008.
But the move has turned into a nightmare, as he argued with the club over his salary in April and then a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Ko, 30, once known for his left-footed free kicks, appeared in 16 matches and scored two goals, with one assist.
Daejeon, which finished 13th in the 14-team league table in 2008, does not plan to re-sign Ko after his contract expired at the end of last year.