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“We won a 6-1 win against the ‘great team’ in the same stadium where Park Ji-sung used to play. I feel more than happy. “
After scoring a double against Manchester United on Sunday local time, Tottenham Hotspur’s 28-year-old South Korean winger Son Heung-min sounded extremely excited. The lopsided victory took place at Old Trafford, the home stadium of Park Ji-sung, the retired South Korean soccer legend and longtime Son’s role model.
The multiple goal was even more significant as it was Son’s first goal against Manchester United after 11 matches since his English Premier League debut. “I grew up watching Park play on this very field. Naturally, I often watched Manchester United games, ”Son said. “I am very proud to have scored goals in this dream stadium. I’m really happy.”
The two Korean footballers have a special story. It was during the AFC Asian Cup in January 2011 that they met for the first time. Having turned 18, Son shared a room with Park, then the captain of the Korea team, playing alongside Park in various games, including the first and third group league games and the semi-finals against Japan. Although Korea lost the game on penalties, the semi-final round was Park’s last game as a national team and his 100th international match. Joining him in his final match under the national flag, Son harbored a dream of succeeding him as a legend. of Korean soccer.
Five years later, in April 2016, Son had his first meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford, and he expressed respect for Park Ji-sung on his team’s home page. “I was a huge fan of Park Ji-sung as a kid,” Son said. “I learned a lot from him. It let the world know more about Korea and I too work hard every day to do it. “
Jae-Yeong Yoo [email protected]
