Born in Seoul, raised in Suwon just outside South Korea’s capital, Park left school at 18 to join Japanese side Kyoto Purple Sanga. His potential to make the leap from Asia to Europe was spotted by Guus Hiddink, who coached the South Korea during their successful run to the World Cup semi finals in 2002. Later that year, Park followed Hiddink to PSV.
Ji earned widespread recognition in 2005 after scoring against Milan in the Champions League semi finals, but he had gradually been building his reputation in Holland. Park played only a fleeting part in PSV’s title success in his first season in Holland. Two years later he had fully adapted to European football and was an integral component of the side that clinched Holland's League and Cup Double.
In the closing months of the 2004-2005season, Park was vigorously scouted by top football clubs in the English Premier League and the Italian Serie A,of which the most keen were Chelsea and Manchester United. He chose to join Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United, who was impressed with Park's lively style of play, terrific pace, and unparalled fitness. On June 22, 2005 Park signed for English Premiership side Manchester United from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for £4 million, subject to a medical and work permit. His work permit was initially denied, but was granted on July 5 following an appeal from United.
As expected, he impressed during Manchester United's pre-season tour of the Far East, as well as in the first game of the season against Everton with his tireless roaming of the pitch and relentless pressuring of opponents, such that Ferguson picked him over Ryan Giggs and the popular Cristiano Ronaldo to start against Aston Villa on 20 August the following week.During United's home game against Spurs, United captain of the day Ryan Giggs was being substituted nine minutes from time and while on the way off, passed the captain's armband to Park. Park, who was expected to pass the armband to someone more experienced such as Paul Scholes, decided to put on the armband for the last few minutes of the game. In doing so, he became the first Asian to ever captain Manchester United.
His first goal for Manchester United came on December 20, 2005, during a 3-1 win over Birmingham in the League Cup Quarter Final.His first goal in the Premier League appeared to have been against Fulham on February 5, 2006 in Manchester United's 4-2 victory at Old Trafford.However the Premier League's Dubious Goals Panel later ruled that this was an "own-goal" due to a deflection off a Fulham defender. Park's first official league goal came against Arsenal on April 9, in Manchester United's 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
On August 11, Manchester United announced that Park had extended his contract with the club until 2010. Speaking of Park's commitment to the club, Ferguson said "Ji-Sung has had an impressive first year and I’m pleased to have secured him to the end of the decade at least. He has adapted well to the Premiership. His awareness and ability are first class." He tore his ankle ligaments in training right before Manchester United's away match against Benfica FC, which kept him out of action for three months.
Park returned after recovering from his injury on December 17 in the 1-0 defeat against West Ham United. On 13 January 2007, Park played a major part in the in a 3-1 victory against Aston Villa, assisting C. Ronaldo and Carrick in their two goals, and even scoring himself. On 10 February 2007, Park again played a significant part for the team in a 2-0 victory against Charlton, in which he created chances opening the play and even scoring his second goal of the league campaign. On 17 March 2007, Park played a decisive role in the 4–1 victory over Bolton Wanderers, scoring two of the Red Devils' four goals. On 30 March, he scored a goal and set a goal up as Manchester United won their match against Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford. He also assisted Ole Gunnar Solskjær's last goal too.
In April 2007, Park was sent to America for surgery on a recurring knee injury, putting an end to his season. Although sidelined by injury for most of the season, he still played in enough matches to become the first Korean player to win the Premiership. Expected to return to action by January 2008, Park made his return to the United team ahead of schedule as he made a substitute appearance in the Boxing Day (December 26)fixture against Sunderland and received an above average rating of 7.0 by SkySports. He made his first start for the United first team since his injury on January 1, 2008 in a Premiership fixture against Birmingham City.
Birthdate:25 Feb 1981
Birthplace:Seoul, South Korea
Position:Midfielder
Appearances:68
Joined United:08 Jul 2005
United Debut:09 Aug 2005 v Debreceni (H)
International: Korea Republic
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