Seoul long! It's like "so long" but we wrote "Seoul" instead because... ah, never mind.
Asia's most decorated footballer, Park Ji-Sung has announced his retirement from football citing health and knee-knack issues as his reasons. The South Korean international, who is a superstar in Asia and who had a glittering career at PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United, has called it a day.
At the relatively sprightly age of 33, the man from South Korea has decided to give himself a rest for good. He was the main man for South Korea in their heroic march to the World Cup Semi-Finals (pic below) on home soil back in 2002, under the guidance of Guus Hiddink.
Hiddink was so impressed by Park's marathon man capabilities that he brought him back to Europe to play for PSV Eindhoven. He quickly became a crowd favourite there and soon came to the attention of Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. The former United manager was dazzled by his Duracell bunny-like stamina and willingness to run forever that he brought him to Old Trafford 2005.
Park, although never the most technically gifted player, was a workhorse in the middle of the pitch. He was gloriously nicknamed 'Three Lung Park' such was his endurance levels and, despite never being a regular at United, his refusal to sulk and throw hissy-fits was refreshing and nice to see. He became the first ever Asian player to play in the Champions League Final (pic above) when he started in United's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in 2009.
In 2012 he left United to join QPR, but injuries unfortunately restricted his appearances there. He then went back to former club PSV on loan in 2013 and he has remained there until this recent announcement.
Park Ji-Sung, here at JOE we salute you and wish you well in your retirement. (We're pretty sure he's reading this...)
