Top 90 Quotes & Sayings by Park Ji-sung

Explore popular quotes and sayings by a South Korean athlete Park Ji-sung.
Last updated on December 21, 2024.
Park Ji-sung

Park Ji-sung is a South Korean former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in the South Korean capital Seoul, Park is one of the most successful Asian players in football history, having won 19 trophies in his career. He is the first Asian footballer to have won the UEFA Champions League, to play in a UEFA Champions League final, as well as the first Asian to have won the FIFA Club World Cup. Park was able to play anywhere across the midfield and was noted for his exceptional fitness level, discipline, work ethic and off-the-ball movement. His remarkable endurance levels earned him the nickname "Three-Lungs" Park.

Mentally, you have to be strong, particularly in away games at the places where the fans are very passionate.
It's unbelievable. I never thought I could play for United 200 times.
In Korea, if a player doesn't play well, you would never criticise him, but in European countries fans criticise their own teams; sometimes they boo them off the pitch.
A lot of the South Korean players are very interested in the Premier League. They ask questions about what life there is like, so I try to give them answers. — © Park Ji-sung
A lot of the South Korean players are very interested in the Premier League. They ask questions about what life there is like, so I try to give them answers.
The AFC Asian Cup is the most important and biggest competition in Asia, and we should do our best to win it.
I have to stop rushing things. I have to be composed in my mind and slow things down. I think that will make me a better finisher.
The biggest thing for Asian players to remember is the football style is different in Europe - as is the culture - so they have to accept that. Mentally, they need to be ready and very strong.
If you have luck on your side and are strong mentally, you can succeed in Europe.
When I am in Korea, I can't walk down the streets. But I don't want to be famous or popular; I just want to be a good player.
The likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, and Ryan Giggs - I can see it live every day. I don't have to sit in front of a TV to study it.
I try to help the team to win, and my role is to run a lot and bring energy to the side. It's my job, so I have to do it.
When I made up my mind for Manchester, I felt I had betrayed Hiddink. I knew he wanted me to go to Chelsea, so I found it difficult.
Lee Chung-yong has been playing well and trying hard at Bolton and has grown in confidence. His improvement is valuable for the national team.
Manchester United is the world's best club. There is no reason to move to any other team. — © Park Ji-sung
Manchester United is the world's best club. There is no reason to move to any other team.
When I was with PSV Eindhoven in Holland, some people still thought Asian players weren't good enough to play in Europe. It's always good to rise to the challenge and prove them wrong. When I first came to United, I had to prove my ability again.
I have a lot of good memories, especially the days when I have lifted trophies. They are great feelings. That is why Manchester United players want to lift trophies again and again.
I have enjoyed every minute of my time at United.
I study the other players in training, particularly the forwards, and I look at how they are scoring goals. What do they do when they finish a chance?
All the Asian people respect me and watch me. But I don't want people to think of me as an Asian player. I am just a football player.
Many Asian players have seen they can play in Europe at a high level.
Some players aren't able to show their ability in Europe, but some players can - I think the most important quality in the successful players is that they are mentally strong.
Always the Premier League has several clubs fighting for the title.
It would be honour for me to keep playing for Manchester United.
Early goals make us more confident and energetic for the rest of the game.
I love playing for United and have lots of good memories from my time here.
They are always open to come to South Korea and play, because we never reject North Korean athletes.
I need to improve my finishing. I need more goals.
I am very happy that I proved Asian players can deal with the high levels of European football.
I don't like to be famous.
I am not worried about playing in front of a big crowd.
There's no truth at all that I would leave United - I want to stay here, and I have no reason to leave. I would like to stay here for life, of course - why not? It's the best club in the world.
There is no question that Korean footballers have the ability to play in Europe. The real challenge is whether they will be able to adapt to western culture.
I'm looking forward to playing my part in keeping United at the top of the game.
I've had fans coming up to me and speaking Chinese or Japanese. It's not a case of mistaken nationality. I just don't think they realise that we don't all speak the same language.
It always feels good to score goals against big teams.
Once I became more famous, I was proud that people in Asia started to look towards me.
The best goal I have scored for the national team would be during the 2002 World Cup against Portugal. It was my first World Cup and my first goal in the World Cup. It was like a dream, and that's why it was so memorable.
There aren't many Asian players in Europe or the Premier League, so that's more attention for me.
Asian fans chase me and shout; it is different in England. — © Park Ji-sung
Asian fans chase me and shout; it is different in England.
Asian culture is that people are quite excited about the players.
I wanted to show that Asian players could make it in Europe. But it was far more important for me just to become a better player. That is why I came to Europe from Asia.
After Sir Alex Ferguson, it's been a difficult time for Man United, but actually, many people know that after Sir Alex Ferguson, it would be difficult for Man United.
I do not think of myself as a standard bearer for Asian players. I just try to work hard for myself.
North Korea and South Korea speak the same language, and actually, we are the same country.
Managers now don't just use 11 players; they have to care about all the squad of 25 or more players.
Football can make things different, and football can make change around the world. I hope football can do something for Korea.
At Old Trafford, we are not afraid of anyone.
It's not an easy game at Goodison Park - it's always difficult there.
We have a long history with Japan. When South Korea play against Japan, the fans tell us that if we lose, they are going to throw the players into the sea. — © Park Ji-sung
We have a long history with Japan. When South Korea play against Japan, the fans tell us that if we lose, they are going to throw the players into the sea.
The happiest moment was when I just played with a ball as a boy, carefree, without worrying about anything.
My reputation has increased, not just in Korea but across the continent.
When I go home, it is quite difficult. Being at Manchester United means it is a huge thing, and when I walk down the street, most people recognize me.
In Korea, if a player makes a mistake, the other players don't like to point it out. Rather, they try to embrace it; they take the attitude, 'Let's do better next time.' But in the West, if you do something wrong, another player will make a point of saying something, and you will have to fix it immediately.
When I'm back in my country, it's like being David Beckham. But it's like that for David Beckham all over the world. It must be more difficult for him than for me.
It was funny because on the day that I joined the club, the newspaper that broke the news was one that people don't always trust or believe. Then, when I signed, and there were pictures of me and Sir Alex Ferguson, people believed it.
I just want to be a normal person.
All I can do is my best.
If it is possible I want to finish my career at Manchester United.
It was a very difficult decision to leave United.
We always try to keep going and stay concentrated. Early goals help that a lot.
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