'I will learn a lot from Park Ji-sung'
Queens Park Rangers’ new signing Yun Suk-young poses after arriving at Incheon International Airport, Wednesday. / Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
Queens Park Rangers’ newest defender Yun Suk-young, 22, said Wednesday he hopes to learn a lot from teammate and compatriot Park Ji-sung after completing a three-and-a-half year deal with the English Premier League outfit.
“I was going to meet Park after QPR’s FA game against MK Dons Saturday. But as QPR lost 4-2, I just texted him, concerned about the team’s atmosphere that day,” the former Chunnam Dragons player told reporters at Incheon International Airport. “He has achieved so much in that league. I believe this is a tremendous opportunity for me to learn from him.”
Manager Harry Redknapp was another big reason for Yun choosing QPR.
“When I was listening to him, honestly, I barely understood what he was talking about. Then I heard the words, big star, which gave me the feeling that I can grow and learn a lot there,” Yun said.
The fact that the west London club is in the relegation zone wasn’t a factor as Yun helped Chunnam stay in the K League first division last year. He said competing for a team facing the drop will be “a good asset” later in his career.
Korean players abroad, including Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-yueng and FC Augsburg forward Ji Dong-won, sent congratulatory messages to Korea’s 11th English Premier League player.
“They said the experience will be bittersweet with problems such as the language barrier,” Yun said.
The Korean is QPR’s third signing of the January transfer window, following striker Loic Remy and defender Tal Ben Haim.
The London Olympics bronze medalist’s ability will likely be tested sooner than later as his new team is at the bottom of the table with 16 points. Reading, Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa are just ahead with 20.
Yun is now waiting for a work permit to be granted. The defender is also part of the Korea squad that will play a friendly against Croatia in England on Wednesday.
“It feels awesome,” Yun said. “My performance there will be critical. I will try my best to live up to fans’ expectations.”