South Korean footballer Ji Sung Park has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33, bringing to a close a distinguished career that saw him rise to prominence on the global stage. The midfielder, who recently returned for a final season at PSV Eindhoven, the club where he first made his mark in 2004-2005, expressed contentment with his decision.
“I’m leaving with no regrets. I love playing football. I’ve achieved more than I ever imagined and I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received,” Park said in a statement.
Over the course of his career, Park earned 101 caps for the South Korean national team, leaving a lasting legacy in his homeland. However, it was his time at Manchester United that cemented his place among football’s elite. Park won a total of 12 major trophies, including an impressive 11 with the English giants. His achievements at Old Trafford include four Premier League titles, two League Cups, one Charity Shield, one Club World Cup, a European Super Cup, and two Champions League final appearances.
Park’s versatility and tireless work ethic made him a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side, where he was often deployed in midfield and earned a reputation for his relentless pressing, tactical intelligence, and ability to perform in crucial matches.
After a successful stint in England, Park made a brief return to PSV Eindhoven, the club where his European career began. Despite playing for several high-profile clubs in his illustrious career, it is his time in Manchester that defined him. Park’s departure from the game is the end of an era for both South Korean football and European football, where he became a trailblazer for Asian talent.
Now retiring on his own terms, Park leaves behind a legacy of achievement, gratitude, and a career that inspired many, not just in South Korea, but around the world.
