Park Ji Sung Announced Retirement, Wedding Plans (original) (raw)

На пресс-конференции 14 мая самый известный южнокорейский футболист, первым перешедший в английскую премьер-лигу, Пак Чи Сон объявил о завершении спортивной карьеры по окончании текущего сезона. Кроме того, экс-капитан клуба "Манчестер Юнайтед" также сообщил о дате свадьбы с телеведущей Ким Мин Чжи - 27 июля.

On May 14th at the press-conference held in Suwon the first Asian to ever captain Manchester United Park Ji Sung announced that he is retiring from football upon this season completion.

Park, who finished his career back at PSV on loan from Queens Park Rangers, said knee issues meant he could no longer play at the highest level. "I'm leaving with no regrets," said Park to journalists. "I enjoyed playing football," added Park, who played 100 times for South Korea and scored at three World Cups.

"I have achieved more than I thought I would. I'm truly grateful for all the support I have received and I will live the rest of my life thinking how I can pay it back", said Park.

Photo: Park Ji Sung, Kim Min Ji/hankooki.com

Born on Febr 25 1981 in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, Park Ji Sung was the captain of the South Korean national team until his retirement from international football in 2011. He is the most decorated Asian footballer in history, as the first Asian footballer to have won the UEFA Champions League trophy, the first Asian footballer to play in a UEFA Champions League Final, and the first Asian footballer to have won the FIFA Club World Cup.

At the press-conference held at 11am on Wednesday at Park Ji Sung football center in Yeontong, Suwon he also announced date of his wedding. On July 27th he will tie the knot with TV announcer Kim Min Ji.

According to KFA, Park will play his farewell "K-league All Stars" match on July 25 in Seoul. Then he's planning to go on vacation to Europe and take a time to make up his post-football career plans.

Park Ji-Sung honours

By @irinamow; sources/pics: psv.nl; etnews.co.kr, news.hankooki.com