Ji-Sung Park Bio Send To Friend  

The South Korea international is the epitome of a player from that region. Small, but full of running and a tricky customer. Essentially a winger happy on either flank, he can also fill in at full-back if necessary.

He began his career in Japan with Kyoto Purple Sanga, winning the J-League's Second Division title in 2001 and the Emperor's Cup in 2003-04, before coming to the world's attention at the 2002 World Cup - co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

Park made his Korea debut against Mexico in 2000. He was then one of the nation's finest performers as Guus Hiddink guided the unfancied side to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup before they eventually finished fourth when losing a play-off with Turkey. He went down in Korean folklore for scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the group stages, producing one of the tournament's many shocks.

Hiddink moved to PSV after his contract with Korea came to an end. And he brought two of his international heroes with him, with Park signing in December 2002. Lee Young-pyo joined at the same time. PSV then won Dutch league in 2002-03 with Park making eight appearances.

After a disappointing 2003-04, PSV then did the double with Park scoring seven goals in 28 matches and, two years later, he earned his dream move to the Premiership - but there was much scepticism. With Manchester United due to travel to the Far East on a pre-season tour some suggested the signing of Park was no more than a marketing exercise.

Park would become the first South Korean to play in the Premiership. And, though clearly a player with much to learn about the English game, he became a useful performer - skillful on the ball, with flair and the vision to create opportunities.

In the absence of Ryan Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo he became the ideal sub for either wing position and was sorely missed when a knee injury ended his campaign in 2007. That knee injury kept him out of action until Boxing Day and once back to full fitness he proved to be one of United's most important players.

Popular with the terraces, Park has become a useful squad player for United and he helped United win the Champions League in 2008. However, he didn't play in the final, and Sir Alex Ferguson stated that leaving the South Korean winger out from the 18-man squad was one of the hardest decisions he had to make all throughout his managerial career.

Park did play in the 2009 final, becoming the first Asian player in history to do so, but United lost to Barcelona and he was criticised for his display.