Manchester United's energetic midfielder Park Ji-Sung will play his last game for South Korea in January of 2011 when he takes part in the most recent installment of the Asian Cup in Qatar. Before last summer's World Cup in South Africa, Captain of South Korea Park was quoted as saying next month's Cup would mark his last international tournament.
Manchester United’s Park Ji-Sung To Retire From International Football After Asian Cup
In another quote found on Yahoo! Sport, Park stated:
“When I give way, players like Lee Chung-yong will appear. They don’t have to think I should be there”.
But while Korea Republic currently boasts some promising players such as the aforementioned Lee Chung-Yong, Lee Jung-Soo and Park Chu-Young, it would be unwise to assume that the national team won't miss Park's leadership, experience and attacking abilities once he's gone.
Park will leave United after the club's 26 December showdown with Sunderland to join the rest of the South Korean squad and could miss up to seven Premier League matches while attending his last international tournament.
While away from United, Park will be missed. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has lauded Park’s work rate and abilities moving forward from midfield and often employs Park on the wing in a five man midfield in top of the league clashes or in Champions League matches of importance.
Should Korea Republic make the final of the Asian Cup in January, a match that is set to take place on 29 January, United could potentially expect Park back during the first week of February which should be enough time to ready the midfielder for United’s Champions League round of 16 clash versus Olympique de Marseille.
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