JI-SUNG PARK, profile


Ji-sung Park, or "Ji" as he is called by his United team-mates, is a skilful and energetic player, who can play on the left, on the right, or in the centre of midfield.

His potential to make the leap from Asia to Europe was spotted by Guus Hiddink, who coached Park in the national team before and during the 2002 World Cup.

Later that year, after Korea's phenomenal run to the semi finals, Park followed Hiddink to PSV.

Although he gained widespread recognition in 2005 after scoring against AC Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, Park had been gradually building a reputation at PSV as one of the most highly-regarded young midfielders in Europe.

He began his career with Japanese side Kyoto Purple Sanga in 2000. A regular in the South Korean national side from a young age, he played in all of his country's seven matches in a sensational run to the semi finals of the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

He moved to PSV on 21 December 2002, but played only a fleeting part as the Dutch side claimed the Eredivisie that year.

Two years later, fully adapted to European football, he was an integral component of Hiddink's side that clinched Holland's League and Cup Double in 2005.

Sir Alex Ferguson's network of scouts have closely followed Park's development since his relocation to Europe. The United boss had the midfielder watched more than 20 times before finally signing him. The Reds made their move just as a host of other clubs, including Chelsea and a number of Italian sides, declared their interest.

Adapting to the English Premiership is Park's biggest test, but he has impressed everybody at the club so far. His pedigree on the European stage, however, is already proven. He played 23 games in the Champions League, scoring twice, for PSV. Remarkably, he had notched over 50 international caps by his 24th birthday.

United announced they had agreed an undisclosed fee for Park, believed to be around £4million, on 22 June 2005. Due to a delay in obtaining a work permit, the South Korean international had to wait until 8 July before he could complete his move to Old Trafford.

***

• Born: 25 February 1981, Seoul, South Korea
• Signed: 8 July 2005, from PSV Eindhoven
• Fee: £4million
• Other Previous Clubs: Kyoto Purple Sanga
• Debut: 9 August 2005 v Debrecen (H) Champions League
• International Team: South Korea

(Source: www.manutd.com)

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