As the Hana Bank K League 2024, a professional soccer tournament, is set to kick off next month, all eyes will be on the performance of ‘freshman' Jesse Lingard (England).
On March 23 (KST), British media outlet The Guardian published an article titled “Lingard lands in Korea in search of past glory”.
“The former Manchester United midfielder has been given a chance to make an impact in the K League with FC Seoul,” the publication explained.
“Lingard, who arrived in South Korea through Incheon International Airport this month, was handed a traditional wind instrument (danso) and given the chance to breathe new life into a stalled career and a stagnant club.” 토토사이트 The article went on to detail Lingard's situation, as well as the city of Seoul, which has lost much of its former glory.
He also elaborated on the K League.
“The K League is not a glamorous league, but it is slowly growing in popularity, with an average attendance of over 10,000 last season,” said The Guardian, “and the standard is high. It's one of the top three in Asia, along with Japan and Saudi Arabia,” he said.
He also pointed out that Lingard's K League career will not be easy.
“Many foreign players have struggled in the K League because the 12-team league (the top division) requires a lot of physical strength, and players in all positions have speed and technical ability,” the media outlet said.
“Captain Ki Sung-yong, who has played more than 100 games for Celtic (Scotland), Swansea, Sunderland, Newcastle (England), and the Korean national team, will be a great help to Lingard,” he added.
Lingard is a star soccer player who made his debut for EPL giants Manchester United and has played over 200 official matches.
He has 32 caps (6 goals) for England, and also played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Lingard joined Seoul ahead of this season and was given the number 10 shirt when the club entered the K League. Last season, Seoul's number 10 was worn by Ji Dong-won (Suwon FC).
