Showing posts with label Park Ji-Sung. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Park Ji-Sung. Show all posts


Park Ji-sung has silently achieved a feat that many cannot even think of - to play 200 games for Manchester United. He completed the milestone when he was introduced as a substitute in United's staggering comeback draw at Chelsea on last Sunday.

The 30-year-old energetic midfielder who joined Manchester United in 2005 from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven was considered a money-making venture by many critics. They claimed he was only bought to sell shirts in the Far East, but now Park has silenced all of them.

On joining United's 200 club Park Ji-sung said,
I am proud to reach this mark. I never thought I could play 200 matches for Manchester United. Some people did say those things (shirt-seller) when I came here. Now no-one says it. I am very happy that I proved Asian players can deal with the high levels of European football.

Park has been a key figure in Sir Alex's plans, perhaps for the energy he brings while on the field. Also, he has a remarkable habit of scoring in matches against the biggest oppositions.

Constantly troubled with injuries during his stay at Old Trafford, I hope Park Ji-sung keeps playing with the same amount of energy and helps Manchester United to lift trophies again and again.


The only Asian player who wears a Manchester United tee, Park Ji-Sung has recently signed a two-year contract extension. This deal will keep him at Manchester United until 2012. Park's agent did claim a deal with the South Korean had been done during the week, United officially confirmed the news recently.

I remember there was a large degree of scepticism surrounding Park when he first came to United in 2005 from PSV Eindhoven. People had said that United had secured a markatable player in Asia and not a football player, especially after the sale of David Beckham to Real Madrid.

Yet, while the commercial spin-offs of having Asia's highest-profile player in their squad have been obvious in two highly profitable visits to the continent, both of which took United to Seoul, Park has also proved his worth on the field. Even the manager, Sir Alex Ferguson added his own tribute and said, "We are always pleased to secure the future of our star players and Ji-Sung has proved himself to be a fantastic professional as well as an important versatile player in our squad."

Park who has made 127 United appearances so far has scored 12 goals. On his new deal he said, "I am so pleased to have a new contract. We have achieved great success over the last four years and won many trophies. It is a great experience for me to play at this magnificent football club along with other world famous players."

It will be great if Park makes an appearance in today's derby game against Manchester City. It will be tough though, especially with Darren Fletcher in supreme form. But with Paul Scholes out with suspension, Fergie will definitely try to utilize the passion and energy of a player who's got a new deal. I hope it turns out to be a classic Manchester derby.

 
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