Thursday 13 November 2008

Ji-Sung Park Bio


Park Ji-Sung joined Manchester United in July 2005 for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £4million.

The midfielder switched from PSV Eindhoven, where he had enjoyed a superb 2004/05. PSV won the Eredivisie title at a canter, ten points clear of Ajax Amsterdam, and lifted the Dutch Cup to secure the double.

And they also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League before going out to AC Milan on the away goals rule - despite having the better of both legs.

This was all from a side that had been written off in the summer following the departure of several top names, including Mateja Kezman, Arjen Robben and Dennis Rommedahl.

Park was an instrumental figure in PSV's triumphs, injected energy and style into the side as they notched 89 goals in the league season.

The South Korea international is the epitome of a player from that region. Small, but full of running and a tricky customer.

Essentially a winger happy on either flank, he can also fill in at full-back if necessary.

He began his career in Japan with Kyoto Purple Sanga, winning the J-League's Second Division title in 2001 and the Emperor's Cup in 2003/04, before coming to the world's attention at the 2002 World Cup - co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

Park made his Korea debut against Mexico in 2000. He was then one of the nation's finest performers as Guus Hiddink guided the unfancied side to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup before they eventually finished fourth when losing a play-off with Turkey.

He went down in Korean folklore for scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the group stages, producing one of the tournament's many shocks.

Hiddink moved to PSV after his contract with Korea came to an end. And he brought two of his international heroes with him, with Park signing in December 2002. Lee Young-pyo joined at the same time.

PSV won Dutch league in 2002/03 with Park making eight appearances.

After a disappointing 2003/04, PSV then did the double with Park scoring seven goals in 28 matches. And he scored the opener in PSV's clash with AC Milan in Champions League semi-final.

Two years later he earned his dream move to the Premiership - but there was much scepticism. With Manchester United due to travel to the Far East on a pre-season tour some suggested the signing of Park was no more than a marketing exercise.

And Hiddink criticised Park for leaving PSV a year too early in his development.

Park would become the first South Korean to play in the Premiership.

He made his debut in a 3-0 home victory over Debreceni VSC in a Champions League qualifier.

Though clearly a player with much to learn about the English game, he became a useful performer - skillful on the ball, with flair and the vision to create opportunities.

He bagged his first ever goal as United beat Birmingham City in the Carling Cup quarter-finals in December. And has continued his penchant for the important strike, scoring seven goals in just 28 appearances of the 2006/7 campaign.

In the absence of Ryan Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo he became the ideal sub for either wing position and was sorely missed when a knee injury ended his campaign.

That knee injury kept him out of action until Boxing Day 2007 and once back to full fitness he proved to be one of United's most important players.

Popular with the terraces, Park has become a useful squad player for United.

No comments: