Park Ji-Sung is keen to put last season’s disappointment behind him and line-up for Manchester United in the Champions League final against Barcelona next Wednesday.
Despite his sterling performances against Barca in the semi-final of the Champions League last year, Park still failed to make Sir Alex Ferguson’s cut for the 18-man squad who would challenge Chelsea for the European Cup in the final in Moscow – a decision that the Scot said was his hardest as a football manager.
The South Korean midfielder has stated that the omission was a wrenching moment in his career, but he has received indications from Ferguson that this act will not be repeated.
“No-one knows until the start [who will be selected]. If I play I will do my best,” Park told the press. “It was very disappointing [last year] because players want to play in big games like the Champions League final.
“If they do not play it hurts. I think it was the biggest disappointment of my career. Our team wins titles and I am happy because I am in a good team but still it was heartbreaking.
“But after that I believed Manchester United would again reach the final and I worked hard and now I have one more chance and this time it is different to last season. It is a big disappointment but you can’t say anything to them because it is heartbreaking. It is something they have to get over themselves and believe next time or in the future they can do something.”
Regarding the contrasting culture between life in England and what he is accustomed to in his homeland, Park said, “The culture is different. Asian fans chase me and shout – it is different in England.
“When I go back to Korea maybe I couldn’t go out in the street. But I don’t want to be a famous guy or a popular guy, I just want to be a good player. No-one knows in the future but I want to be here longer, as long as I can.”
