Park Ji-sung is one of the best Asian players to grace the Pemier League. At one point in his career he was the best player around. There is no doubt that he is up there with the best.
The South Korean midfielder enjoyed a glorious seven years at Old Trafford and explained how’s he ended his career at Manchester United without injuries in 2012.
“In that last season, it was the only time that I missed five games in a row, without any injuries. That signalled to me that [this was the end] because I’d always contributed.” Park said.
“Without injuries, I’d missed maybe maximum three games in a row, but five is quite tough as a player. So then I think it’s time to leave the club.” Park added.
Park made more than 200 appearances for United between 2005 and 2012, helping them win four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.
“The club actually wanted me to stay and I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson, but it was the first time I had missed five games in a row without injury.” Park said.
“Some of the players probably knew I was going to leave here because of that happening for the first time. It was very tough because I’d never been at one club for seven years, this was the first one.
“And everything was there; friends, families, everything settled down. So I was quite comfortable and it was like home.
“But I had to decide because I was 31 and it was probably the last time to move and have a contract; it was towards the end of my playing career. It was very, very hard for me to leave.” he added.
Park retired from professional football in 2014 after a short spell with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.
