Park sets his sights higher

By Kang Seung-woo

After playing his 200th appearance for the Red Devils on Monday (KST), Manchester United’s Korean midfielder Park Ji-sung has set his sights on achieving a higher milestone: 300 matches.

“The atmosphere at this club is such that when you reach one point, there is a determination straight away to reach other goals and aims. That is the mentality. It is the same for me,” Park told the team’s official website Thursday.

“I’ve got to 200 games, but I’m now looking forward to 300.”

His remarks come after the 30-year-old came off the bench in the 86th minute against Chelsea, who squandered a three-goal lead to see the game finish in a 3-3 draw to set the milestone. The 200 matches include UEFA Champions League, League Cup and Club World Cup fixtures.

Amid speculation that he would be used as a marketing tool in his home country and Asia, the former Korea international joined United in July 2005 after a three-year stint with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, where he scored 14 goals in 64 appearances under former Korea national team boss Guus Hiddink.

Park has contributed significantly to the English outfit, managing 27 goals and 26 assists in 200 appearances for six years and seven months along with his tireless running.

Along with the double-century mark, Park is happy that he has proved he is more than just a commercial device and that Asian players can survive European football.

“I am very happy with my position at the moment. Some people did say those things (that he was only bought to sell shirts) when I came here. Now, no one says it,” said Park, who was Korea’s first export to the English Premier League.

“Many Asian players have seen they can play in Europe at a high level. I am very happy that I proved Asian players can deal with the high levels of European football.

“I have had some big injuries and missed quite a lot of games, but to still make 200 games is brilliant. I have tried to become a better player and my teammates and the coaching staff has helped me a lot to improve my game.”

Park said that winning trophies is one of his great moments with the Alex Ferguson’s side.

Since he moved to England in 2005, his club has claimed four Premier League titles as well as winning the Champion’s League in 2008.

“I have a lot of good memories, especially the days when I have lifted trophies. They are great feelings. That is why Manchester United players want to lift trophies again and again,” he said.

He also gave a special thanks to Ferguson for his success.

“Before I came here, I believed I could do it (play at the top level) but I wasn't sure. But the manager believed in me,” he said.

“He encouraged me to deal with these kinds of levels. He told me to fight. That made a big difference for me in adapting to English football.”