Koreans accept and thank
©IMAGO
Former England international Jesse Lingard and FC Seoul are going their separate ways at the end of the year. The South Koreans announced that the 32-year-old offensive player’s contract, which runs until December 2026, will be terminated a year in advance.
According to their own statements, the capital club would have liked to extend the contract with Lingard, but the veteran sees the time has come for a new challenge. “FC Seoul accepts Lingard’s decision and would like to thank him warmly for his commitment and dedication to the team over the past two years, especially as captain,” the club said in a statement. Lingard will last play in the AFC Champions League against Melbourne City on December 10th.
“I have always wanted to create different challenges and new memories in my career,” said the attacker, who had been out of action for six months before signing in East Asia, upon his arrival at the beginning of 2024. In a video on “YouTube” he announced: “I think South Korea is the perfect place for that.” FC Seoul is a six-time winner of the championship and is based in the country’s capital with a population of 26 million. The club presented Lingard at the time with the words: “The biggest name in the history of the K League!” The right-footer played the most games as a professional for Manchester United (232) – followed by FC Seoul (66 appearances), for whom he contributed 18 goals and ten assists. Lingard’s market value is estimated at 3 million euros. He will soon be one of the most valuable players available on the market.