S. Korean captain Ki Sung-yueng hints at international retirement
Sunday - July 1, 2018 7:08 pm ,
Category : SPORTS
S. Korean captain Ki Sung-yueng hints at international retirement
Incheon July 1 (IANS) South Korea captain Ki Sung-yueng on Sunday hinted at international football retirement following his country s early exit at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
South Korea failed to reach the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup after finishing third in Group F with one win and two losses. South Korea lost 0-1 to Sweden and fell 1-2 to Mexico but claimed a historic 2-0 win over defending champions Germany in their group stage campaign reports Yonhap news agency.
"I can t confirm whether I will certainly retire as I cannot make the decision on my own " Ki told reporters after arriving at Incheon International Airport. "But I did organise my thoughts to some extent."
Ki said he has been thinking a lot about his role with the national team. He was the most experienced player in the South Korean squad for this year s World Cup with 104 caps. Russia 2018 was his third World Cup.
"For the last four years as a captain I felt responsible for not leading this team well " he said. "I also felt sad when our players were struggling and I also had a difficult time when South Korean football was heavily criticized."
The 29-year-old midfielder said he has consulted many people on his career with the national team.
"In a situation where South Korean football needs to prepare a four-year plan again I wasn t sure whether I can help this team " he said.
"I saw many coaches come and go and felt considerable responsibility on my shoulders as a captain so that really tired me out. But I haven t made up my mind yet. I will announce it when the time comes."
Ki however confirmed that Russia 2018 was his last World Cup. He missed South Korea s final group stage match against Germany due to a calf injury.
"I had mixed feelings because it was my last World Cup " he said. "There were many difficult moments but as a captain I want to thank our players for not giving up until last moment. If we had prepared for the World Cup more systemically I think we would have had better results."
Ki said he hoped the players can make improvements after experiencing the 2018 World Cup.
"It s a pity that we can t call it a success considering our results but I feel proud that the players gave a memorable performance in the last group stage match " he said. "I hope the players can prepare well for the next four years and improve South Korean football."
South Korea s World Cup squad returned home on Friday but Ki didn t join them as he flew to Britain to complete his move from Swansea City to Newcastle United in the English Premier League.
--IANS pur/bg
South Korea failed to reach the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup after finishing third in Group F with one win and two losses. South Korea lost 0-1 to Sweden and fell 1-2 to Mexico but claimed a historic 2-0 win over defending champions Germany in their group stage campaign reports Yonhap news agency.
"I can t confirm whether I will certainly retire as I cannot make the decision on my own " Ki told reporters after arriving at Incheon International Airport. "But I did organise my thoughts to some extent."
Ki said he has been thinking a lot about his role with the national team. He was the most experienced player in the South Korean squad for this year s World Cup with 104 caps. Russia 2018 was his third World Cup.
"For the last four years as a captain I felt responsible for not leading this team well " he said. "I also felt sad when our players were struggling and I also had a difficult time when South Korean football was heavily criticized."
The 29-year-old midfielder said he has consulted many people on his career with the national team.
"In a situation where South Korean football needs to prepare a four-year plan again I wasn t sure whether I can help this team " he said.
"I saw many coaches come and go and felt considerable responsibility on my shoulders as a captain so that really tired me out. But I haven t made up my mind yet. I will announce it when the time comes."
Ki however confirmed that Russia 2018 was his last World Cup. He missed South Korea s final group stage match against Germany due to a calf injury.
"I had mixed feelings because it was my last World Cup " he said. "There were many difficult moments but as a captain I want to thank our players for not giving up until last moment. If we had prepared for the World Cup more systemically I think we would have had better results."
Ki said he hoped the players can make improvements after experiencing the 2018 World Cup.
"It s a pity that we can t call it a success considering our results but I feel proud that the players gave a memorable performance in the last group stage match " he said. "I hope the players can prepare well for the next four years and improve South Korean football."
South Korea s World Cup squad returned home on Friday but Ki didn t join them as he flew to Britain to complete his move from Swansea City to Newcastle United in the English Premier League.
--IANS pur/bg
