“Shoot the Star”

`Dream comes true even in the stages of Europe!`

`The World Cup Star` Bak, Ji-sung (22 . PSV Eindhoven) has landed his first step towards his dream of an accession as the best star player in the Professional Soccer World in Europe.

Bak, Ji-sung, right after his arrival in Netherlands on 8th, he attended the official press conference prepared by the Eindhoven Team and with Guss Hiddind`s direction, he participated in the team training right away. After running around the forests near de Herdgang which the team`s private training camp with his teammates, he made himself familiar with the surroundings working on stretches with Yon Hintze, the most senior player of the team.

Coach Hiddink, by taking Bak, Ji-sung to the training camp and ordering to be trained with the teammates right after the press conference, medical check, and the contract signing ceremony, he showed his special love for him.

At the official press conference for Bak, Ji-sung`s joining of the team, Harry van Raaij, the owner of the team and Frank Arnesen, the team`s director, have participated, showing their big expectations on Bak, Ji-sung. “I`m so glad to be reunited with Coach Hiddink and I`ll continue on my great activities from the World Cup.” Bak, Ji-sung clarified his resolution at the conference.

Coach Hiddink showed his expectations and stated, “Bak, Ji-sung is a player who has a strong mental power and never gives up. He will be appointed as either a striker or an offensive midfielder in the back. He will surely be a big part of the team`s strength.”

Bak, Ji-sung`s contract is for three and half years and have received one million dollars as the initial payment of the contract and will be receiving six hundred thousand dollars as his annual salary. He was granted the player #21 just like his back number in the Korean National Team. Also, during the medical check, it showed that he has a blood filled up in his right knee area but he doesn`t have any other problems.

After overcoming the jet lag and harmonizing his physical condition, Bak, Ji-sung will leave to Antalya, Turkey (away training camp for the team) to continue on his adaptation. Depending on Bak, Ji-sung`s knee injury recovery, he is expected to particpate in the practive game with Espanyol, which is to be held on 23rd at Balcelona, Spain.

Soon-Il Kwon stt77@donga.com