Park Ji-sung, the recently retired football star from South Korea, said Thursday he is looking forward to taking on new responsibilities as an ambassador for his former English club, Manchester United, as they look to expand their presence in Asia.
Park, who was appointed the English Premier League club's sixth ambassador last month, made his first appearance in South Korea in that capacity Thursday. At a media conference in Seoul, Park said it was "an honor" to begin his official duties as the club ambassador in his home country.
"I had the best experience a football player could have with Manchester United, and this club will always remain a special team in my heart," Park said. "As an ambassador, I will attend charity events and other functions organized by the club, and share with fans all over the world my experience with the team. I have great expectations, and I hope to build fond memories with fans around the world."
The first South Korean to compete in the English Premier League, Park played for United from 2005 to 2012. He won four Premier League titles, three League Cups, one UEFA Champions League and one FIFA Club World Cup.
One of the most iconic footballers to hail from Asia, Park joins such Man United legends as former head coach Alex Ferguson and ex-captain Bobby Charlton as an ambassador.
Internationally, Park played in three consecutive FIFA World Cups starting in 2002, when South Korea, a co-host with Japan, made an improbable run to the semifinals. Park scored at least a goal in each of the three tournaments and served as the South Korean captain in 2010 in South Africa.
Park announced his retirement in May this year at age 33, citing debilitating pain in his right leg.
Park said his role as an ambassador is decidedly less taxing than the one as a player, and that he doesn't feel as much stress or pressure as he did in uniform. He also said he looks forward to the learning opportunities that his ambassadorship will present.
"As a player, I knew little outside playing the game," he said.
"I think there is plenty to learn, as far as how the club is operated and how it communicates with fans and media. If I can study how a team as big as Manchester United deals with off-field issues, then I think it will help me with whatever I decide to do in the future."
Accompanying Park to the press conference, Jamie Reigle, Manchester United's managing director for Asia, said he was counting on Park "to continue to serve as a role model and inspiration to young children around the world who want to be football players."
Park Ji-sung symbolizes a very special relationship between Korea and Manchester United," Reigle said. "There's no doubt in my mind that welcoming back Park into our family as an ambassador will strengthen the affinity fans have around the region about the club.
That's something we're proud of."
Reigle said South Korea has emerged as a key market for the club since Park signed on in 2005.
"He creates a special bond with the Korean fans of Manchester United," the executive added. "South Korea is one of the most advanced economies in the world and is home to some of the most innovative companies. Also, from fans' perspective, because of interest in European football, we believe some of the most educated and knowledgeable fans are in Korea."
Park stressed that fans are crucial to the club's operations, and they will be the focal point of his activities as an ambassador.
"We couldn't operate the club or play matches without our fans," he added. "I'd like to let fans know how hard the club tries to work for them." (Yonhap)
