Park JS runs his heart out but comes up short once again

Park Ji-sung has had painful memories while playing for Manchester United.

In 2008, the midfielder was benched in the final of the UEFA Champions League against Chelsea. In 2009, he became the first Asian-born player to play in a Champions League final but United fell to FC Barcelona, 2-0. He felt deeply sorry over his team’s loss.

Park, 30, expressed a stronger commitment ahead of this year’s final Saturday at London`s Wembley Stadium. “I didn`t play in one of the finals, and we lost in another. I`ll do my best to achieve my dream: winning the championship,” he said.

The Korean player started the game and tirelessly ran throughout the field as if trying to ensure that he would have nothing to regret. More than 40,000 United fans rooted for Park whenever he got the ball, singing cheering songs.

When Lionel Messi of Barcelona caught the ball, Park dashed into the Argentine superstar, tackled him, and got off the ball. With Barcelona dominating the match, however, Park could not turn the tide all alone.

He ran 11,056 meters over 93 minutes, second on United in running distance to veteran Ryan Giggs (11,160 meters). Among Barcelona players, Xavi Hernandez (11,950 meters) was the lone player who ran farther than Park.

United’s website said on Park, “Ran his heart out for the cause but scarcely had a chance to register one of his big-game goals.”

AFP gave Park a player rating of seven, saying he coordinated his team’s tempo through appropriate tackles and constant pressure in the first half. His rating was tied for the highest with Wayne Rooney, who scored his team`s lone goal, and Nemanja Vidic.

Park`s stellar play failed to shine due to United`s 3-1 loss, however. He declined to talk to the media and headed directly to the locker room.

The Korean will likely receive a contract extension from United unlike in 2009, when rumors flew over his transfer after his team’s loss in the Champions League final. With his contract expiring after June next year, he has shown his best performance over this past season in a United jersey and no rumors on a transfer are floating about.

Park will soon visit Korea to host a charity soccer match in Vietnam on June 15.

creating@donga.com