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FOOTBALL

Park Ji-sung

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Park Ji-sung

SPECIAL REPORT

South Korea | Midfielder

Age: 25
Club: Manchester United
Achievements: Dutch title 2005

Manchester United star Park Ji-sung is South Korea's most popular player and one of the most promising players to emerge from Asia.

Park was the first Korean footballer ever to go straight to the J-League from high school. His speed, versatility, endurance and free kick skills made him the most significant player on any team.

Park established himself in the South Korean side ahead of the 2002 World Cup with goals against England and France in friendlies.

During the final themselves, he scored the game-winning goal in South Korea's group match against Portugal, a result which set the co-hosts off on their surprise run to the semi-finals.

After the tournament, Park followed South Korean coach Guus Hiddink to Europe as the Dutchman returned home to PSV Eindhoven.

At PSV, Park displayed his versatility, playing in various positions from wingback to central midfield to his favored position on the right of midfield, where he was instrumental in helping his side to the Dutch league and cup double in 2005.

In a thrilling Champions League semi-final against AC Milan that year, the rising star from Seoul caught the eye of Manchester United, with whom he became the first South Korean ever to play in the English Premiership the following season.

Now a Red Devil regular, Park's well-proven abilities and European experience will be invaluable to South Korea in Germany.

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