[서울신문] “The World Cup stage that I couldn’t step on as a player, challenge to become a leader”

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▲ Jeong Jo-guk of’Patriot’ of the professional football K League smiles while watching video messages from fans and colleagues at a retirement press conference held at the Seoul Football Center on the 9th.
yunhap news

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“With my second life ahead, my biggest dream is to go to the World Cup as a leader, where I couldn’t go out as a player.”

‘Patriot’ Jeong Jo-guk (36, Jeju United), who was the representative of the K-League goalkeeper, held a retirement press conference at the Seoul Football Center on the 9th and marked the end of his 18-year career.

Jeong Jo-guk said, “I am leaving the ground with many memories and pains,” and said, “I will do my best to make a wonderful return to leader Jeong Jo-guk.” Regarding the background of his decision to retire, he explained, “After sleeping three or four months ago, I had a lot of thoughts so I could change my mind, but I thought it was the best time to put it down with my will to go to the next step (of life).

Jeong Jo-guk, who said that his heart is relaxed, but still quaint, said, “If you don’t get paid next month, you’ll feel like you’re an unemployed person.”

He cried as he talked about his family. He said that marriage was the best choice in life, and said, “My wife made a lot of sacrifices so I could be where I am.” He added, “I loved soccer player Jeong Jo-guk, and my wife, who was the biggest fan, regretted (retired) the most, but thank you for respecting and understanding my intentions.”

Jeong Jo-guk, who debuted in 2003 as a new high school graduate wearing a uniform from Anyang LG (currently FC Seoul), played 17 seasons in the K-League except for the period to advance to France, scoring 121 goals and 29 assists in 392 matches. In addition, he raised the championship cup six times, including two K-League championships and one K-League 2 championship.

Only Shin Tae-yong, Lee Dong-guk, and Jeong Jo-guk received all of the Rookie Award, the top scorer, and the best player (MVP). He said it was regretful that he couldn’t score more goals.

Jeong Jo-guk, who declared that he would walk the path of a leader, said, “It’s the result of thinking about what I can do best and what I like,” and “I honestly have confidence to do well.” “First of all, I want to make myself stronger even if it takes time to qualify to buy the hearts of players.”

Reporter Hong Ji-min [email protected]

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