Park Ji-sung retires

Legendary footballer Park Ji-sung, right, receives flowers from Kim Min-ji, a former television broadcaster and his fiance, after he announced his retirement at the JS Football Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. Park also said he will marry Kim on July 27. / Yonhap

By Nam Hyun-woo

SUWON — Park Ji-sung called an end to the most celebrated career of any Asian footballer Wednesday, highlighted by seven seasons with Manchester United.

“I didn’t cry about it yesterday, and I’m not crying about it today. I’m leaving with no regrets,” the 33-year-old said during a news conference at the JS Football Center here.

Park sounded rather unemotional considering he came out of nowhere and led Korea’s unexpected advance under Dutch coach Guus Hiddink to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup hosted by Korea and Japan.

As a show of homage to Hiddink, his mentor, Park wanted to retire with PSV Eindhoven.

He recently finished his season with the club, being on loan from English club Queens Park Rangers.

“The condition of my knee didn’t get better, and I wasn’t sure that I could continue to play. If I go through a surgery, I could play next season, but it would probably take a long time and there is no guarantee of a 100-percent recovery,” he said.

Nicknamed “Three-lung Park” at Old Traffold, Park was noted for his tireless play to help Manchester win the 2008 Champions League and four Premier titles.

“I have repeatedly said I don’t have any intention to become a coach. I don’t have a license for it,” he said smiling.

“I will have other jobs related to soccer. I’m thinking of becoming a sports administrator, although that is not decided on yet,” he said. But he said there is one future plan about which he is sure.

On July 27, he will marry Kim Min-ji, a former television broadcaster.

Kim made a brief appearance at the announcement.

He offered advice for the national team heading to Brazil, although he rejected a request by Hong Myung-bo to play one last time. It would have been his fourth World Cup appearance.

“It’s important to show confidently what they can do,” he said. “The most important thing is not to get injured and stay in a good shape.” Then, he gave away his winning strategy.

“It will be most important to win in the first match to make it into the second round. If they win, the young players will have momentum,” he said.

Park was recently on the disabled list for about two months due to a foot injury, but managed to appear in 23 games for PSV, with his last match being on May 3. He ended his second tour of duty with the Dutch club with a 2-0 win over NAC Breda.

Park was under contract with QPR through June, but was allowed to retire after discussions with QPR owner Tony Fernandes.