Park Ji-sung leaves Man United for ‘new challenge’

On paper, it does not look like a wise move for South Korean footballer Park Ji-sung. On Monday, the midfielder left the Premier League giant Manchester United, the league’s most decorated club, for Queens Park Rangers, a team that barely avoided being relegated to the second division this past season.

Park still had one year left in his contract with Man United and at 31, he forewent a chance to retire as a member of the storied franchise with which he spent seven seasons as the first South Korean in the Premiership.

Park himself sees it differently. In a press conference in London to announce his signing, Park admitted leaving Old Trafford, home of Man United, was a difficult decision, but said he was sold on the future plans QPR laid out before him.

“It is time for a new challenge,” Park told reporters. “QPR wants to be a bigger club. They want to improve and it’s a great challenge. I want to help them reach the next level.”

Man United came up just short of winning its 20th Premiership crown last season, squeezed out by Manchester City on the final day of the season. QPR ranked 17th among 20 teams in the Premier League, where the bottom three are demoted to the second division each year, and replaced by the top three clubs from the lower tier.

Park said he fielded offers from other clubs in England, Europe and Asia, but said, “It’s not about the money.”

The London-based Rangers have been active in the market during this offseason. Park is already the team’s sixth signing, and the second from Man United after defender Fabio.

Park, who has made a career out of proving his doubters wrong, now has another, perhaps final, opportunity to do so. When he made his professional debut with Kyoto Purple Sanga as a scrawny 19-year-old in 2000, he wasn’t as highly regarded as his larger contemporaries. Two years later, however, Park made the national team for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.

Even then, his size ― listed as 178 centimeters and 73 kilograms ― was expected to limit his chances against stronger European opponents. Park silenced his detractors by scoring the brilliant game winner against Portugal in Korea’s final group match, sending the co-host to the knockout phase for the first time.

After spending three seasons with the Dutch club PSV Eindhoven and the former South Korean national team bench boss Guss Hiddink, Park joined Manchester United in 2005. The move then was largely seen as a marketing ploy for Man United as it sought to “sell shirts” in Asia. Manager Alex Ferguson often turned to the Korean for key matches, however, and Park responded by scoring crucial goals against rivals such as Chelsea and Arsenal.

Park brings his championship-winning experience and versatility to QPR. He won four Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown during his seven years with United.

Nicknamed “Three-Lung Park” for his tireless work ethic, Park can play on either wing or central midfield, or back up the frontline striker up the middle when necessary. This past season, Park played an increasingly lesser role on a Man United team with an almost embarrassing wealth of midfield assets.

With QPR, Park should get more minutes, as long as he stays healthy. Against deeper teams with more offensive talent, Park will likely act as the defensive glue in midfield. When playing other middling clubs, Park should be able to display his offensive flair, an underrated part of his game that he has often showcased for the South Korean national team in FIFA World Cups.

QPR, with Malaysia-based Air Asia as their new main sponsor, will surely benefit from having Park, one of the world’s most recognizable Asian football players. Mark Hughes, the team’s manager who said he’s been an admirer of Park, said the acquisition goes far beyond any marketing plans. He said he felt bringing Park on board shows QPR’s willingness to improve.

“This is a real coup for QPR,” Hughes said. “Ji (Park’s nickname) is a player of great energy and technical ability. I can’t wait to get working with him.”

The feeling is mutual.

“The manager Mark Hughes has a proven track record at Premier League level,” Park said. “And I am looking forward to working with him and the rest of the squad to help take the club to the next level.” (Yonhap News)