Ahn Jung-hwan to serve as league ambassador
“By Jung Min-ho
Ahn Jung-hwan left the football pitch with a surprise retirement announcement back in February only to return a few months later as an ambassador for the Korea Professional Football League (K-League).
The K-League designated the 36-year-old former national team member on Monday.
“I was looking for an opportunity to give
something back for the overwhelming affection I received from the fans of K-League. So, I truly appreciate this chance,” Ahn said. “Although I can’t do it on the ground anymore, I will try my best to promote K-League outside of the stadium.”
“Even though we no longer can watch his superb soccer-play on the field, K-League now has a huge supporter,” said Chung Mong-gyu, president of K-League. “I think his passion for making contributions to the K-League eventually made him accept the offer.”
Ahn made his debut with the Busan Daewoo Royals in 1998. He quickly gained fame through his outstanding athletic skills, reaching a pinnacle when the Korean national soccer team made it to the semi-finals in the 2002 World Cup. Ahn turned the tide in the game against Italy, sending the national team to the quarterfinals. On Feb.29, he announced he would stop playing after 14 years of professional football. Throughout his K-League career, he scored 55 goals and assisted 14 in 138 games.