Hanging up boots

Manchester United's Park Ji-sung celebrates after scoring a goal against Chelsea during their Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match at Old Trafford, Manchester on this file photo on April 12, 2011. / AP-Yonhap

Park thanks fans for support, vows ambassador role

By Kim Tae-jong

Park Ji-sung, without question the best Korean footballer in the past decade, said Wednesday that he will live the rest of his life paying back what he has received from his fans, as he brought the curtain down on his 25-year career.

Although he said he can leave without regrets, it is no doubt that he had mixed feelings about his big decision. There have been many challenging and glorious moments for the 33-year-old footballer.

The former captain of the Korean national team, who earned the nickname “Three-Lunged Park" for his seemingly tireless plays, said he would go back to 2002 if he could, when then the young elite player and his teammates made it into the World Cup semifinals.

He also asked young players on the Korean national team to show confidently what they can do in the upcoming World Cup.

The following is an excerpt of his answers during a news conference at the JS Football Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, where he has a street named after him.

Question:

When did you decide to retire?

Answer:

It was around February. 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 will probably take a long time and there is no guarantee of a 100-percent recovery. I had no other options but to retire.

Q:

Do you have a plan to become a coach like Hong Myung-bo, or a TV commentator like Lee Young-pyo?

A:

I have said I don’t have any intention to become a coach. I don’t have a license for it. I think I will have other jobs related to soccer. I’m thinking of becoming an administrator, but that is not a fixed goal. But I will definitely consider what I can do for Korean football and Korean sports. It will take long time and I will study hard. And I’ve never thought of becoming a commentator. If I were a commentator, I would be too harsh on players, and I think that’s not right.

Do you have any advice or suggestion to players who will play in the World Cup in Brazil?

It’s important to show confidently what they can do. The most important thing is not to be injured and stay in a good shape. As we made it into the second round (in the 2010 World Cup), now they have to set their goal to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. It will be most important for them to win in the first match to make it into the second round. If they win, the young players will have momentum.

Q: When would you like to go back to enjoy a moment?

Definitely, the 2002 World Cup. It was my dream to become part of the national team and join the World Cup. I was a rookie back then without feeling much pressure, and I could concentrate on playing soccer.

Q: How would you describe your 25-year career as a footballer with one word?

Lucky. I was fortunate to be lucky.

Q: You are the most hard-working player.

The most important thing is you have a strong desire to progress and you should also concentrate on the sport without being distracted. I think everyone can achieve if they don’t give up and continue to make efforts.

Q: The K-League is in a slump. What do you think of it?

I don’t agree with it. Most Europe-based Korean players were able to move up to the bigger league based on their performance in the K-League. I think there is only a difference in experiences (between the K-League and Europe leagues), not in skills and talent.

Q: Have you ever considered playing in the K-League?

I have, actually. Many people also told me about the option. There was one chance for me to do so, but it didn’t work well. But even if I had had a chance, I wouldn’t have been able to show performances that fans expect to see.

Q: Which uniform is the most meaningful?

Definitely, it’s the uniform of the Korean national team, as it was my dream to play for it when I was a child. But if I were allowed to pick one more, I would say the uniform of QPR. I wished I could show better performances wearing it before I retired.

Q: What was the response from your parents?

My father wanted me to continue for a while, and he found it sad for me to quit. But my mother did not oppose the decision, because she was worried about injuries. I feel sorry and grateful for them. I am happy that I’m not hurt or anything. I will pay back to them what I’ve received.

Q: Is the charity match on July 25 a farewell game?

The date and the fact that I will play with players from the K-League has been fixed. I’m now in talk with the league. I think it will be the last game I will play for my fans.

Q: How would you evaluate yourself?

I wish I could give myself 10, but I wasn’t perfect and there is no such a player. I would give a 7. Every player has their own strength and their value is set, depending on how to maximize their strength and use it for the team. My strongpoint was definitely my physical strength allowing me to run more than other players throughout a game. It was my task how to use it efficiently. I was not a player with high techniques, which I don’t have regrets about. I just enjoyed the sport with what other players don’t have.

Q: Who is the most memorable mentor?

I thank all the people who have instructed me. It would have been impossible for me to move up to the current point without one of them. But the most influential figure is Guus Hiddink, who took me to Europe. It was a turning point of my life. Alex Ferguson also helped me a lot so that I could play with world-class level players.