Park Says He’s Learned Much from Premier League

“Wow, It’s Park Ji-sung!”

The three Korean players playing in England’s Premier League, the world’s top professional football league, are enjoying skyrocketing popularity. On March 21 at Incheon International Airport, as Park Ji-sung (26, Manchester United) stepped out onto the arrival platform, it was almost impossible to do an interview because of a number of fans swarming Park, who will be playing in a practice match against Uruguay on March 24 at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The same also happened when Lee Young-pyo (30•Tottenham Hotspur) and Seol Ki-hyun (28•Reading FC) arrived at the airport.

All three players said, “I will play a good game in order to repay the support that fans have shown.” Park Ji-sung said, “I believe that a player must always show a better and improved performance. I have learned a lot in the Premier League, so while I am here I will show fans what I have learned.” Park added, “I think there will be a lot to learn when playing against a strong South American team on our home ground. Although it’s a friendly match, I will play a good game.” Park Ji-sung has not taken part in an A-level match (match between national teams) held in Korea since September 6 last year in Suwon, when he ran in the 2007 Asian Cup preliminary match against Taiwan.

Lee Young-pyo said, “We must always play a winning match. Moreover, just as important as winning is making the game enjoyable for fans. I will do my best to play a good game.” He added, “Uruguay, along with Brazil and Argentina, is a strong team in South American football. It will be a good opportunity to examine our strength ahead of the Asian Cup. I believe there will be much to learn.”

Seol Ki-hyun, who is often benched back on his team, also showed enthusiastic fighting spirit. He said, “If I do a good job on the national team, I believe it will encourage me when I return to my team. I will run hard to win the match.” Seol added, “The reason I am not included in our team’s matches is because I am not good enough. A player that is essential runs in every match. I will work harder to run in more games and not disappoint my fans.”

yjongk@donga.com