Ahn Jung-Hwan to enter Italy's Perusa

Ahn Jung-Hwan, 24, of Busan Icons will become the first Korean soccer player to play in Italy. Ahn`s joining the Italian team has been delayed so far, due to a difference between Busan and Perusa over the waiver of the star player. Yet, it was the owner of Busan Icons who settled the deal.

Chung Mong-Kyu, also chairman of the Hyundai Industrial Development Co., made a decisive concession, enabling Ahn to go to Italy. Chung said, "With an important national event like the 2002 World Cup, we have to help our players improve their playing ability and respect their wishes." And he said he would not demand the waiver from the Italian team.

Ahn will leave for Italy with his team president Lee Byung-Kee Tuesday and will sign the contract Thursday after a physical checkup. Perusa proposed an annual pay of $350,000, a special allowance of $100,000, an annual pay raise of $50,000 and offering of a house and an interpreter. The Italian team also promised it will give Ahn 5 % of profits from possible sales of the team-related goods in Korea.