Park Apparently Down Over Champions League Snub

Park Ji-sung’s face was robbed of a smile. His black suit seemed to portray his gloomy mood. The professional soccer player did not talk much about his sport.

The Manchester United midfielder, 27, showed up at Jeonggok Pier in Gyeonggi Province yesterday for the first time since returning from England. He was designated goodwill ambassador for Gyeonggi International Yacht Racing.

United won both the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League titles this season. He has only one medal, though. “I have received no medal for the Champions League. Nobody has told me I will get one.”

Park shared his team’s joy in winning the European Cup, but his heart must have felt empty over being excluded on the roster for the game.

Immersing himself in an open environment thrown before him by the sea, he seemed refreshed. He said, “I’ve never been aboard a yacht. Actually, this is the first time I came [to this pier].”

He boarded a yacht and enjoyed the sea and breeze for about 40 minutes there. “I wish I had a yacht and came here everyday,” Park said. “I am not thinking about marriage yet.”

The other goodwill ambassador, veteran singer Cho Yong-pil, 58, kept his fingers crossed for Park. “I believe you will become the world’s No. 1 player,” Cho said.

Park replied, “Your songs have made Koreans happy. I wish my performance can do the same.”

A thousand people swarmed the small pier to see the two celebrities. The racing and the boat show will open next month at the pier and at another in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.

hic@donga.com