Park Ji-sung Keeps Options Open for World Cup 2014

Will Park Ji-sung last the course until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil? After Korea lost to Uruguay in the best of 16 round in South Africa, Park said, "My World Cup is over." But he still has a passion for the national team. "I wasn't talking about retirement," he said later. "I always thought it's difficult to maintain the dual life between my club and the national team. If I can maintain my current shape until 2014, I may be able to play at the next World Cup."

But the current goal is the Asian Cup in Qatar in January. "The most important thing after the World Cup is the competition that crowns the champion of the continent. We'll do our best to show that Korea is the top in Asia," he said.

Park, who has been playing for the Manchester United since 2005, dismissed rumors about a trade. "I may move to a different team some day, but at the moment I have no wish to move elsewhere." Asked about the fact that many young people look to him as a role model, he said, "I was very lucky. I almost didn't make it to university as a footballer, but I was chosen for the Olympic squad, and I had great mentor. That enabled me to go all the way. Despite all the help I got along the way, what I really want to tell youngsters is to do what they like doing. I loved football so much, and that's why I wanted to be better than others. That's what motivated me."

What about marriage? "I'm trying very hard to meet someone. I keep asking a lot of people to introduce me to a good woman. But whoever I meet, it won't be a celebrity."

Park will officiate at the opening ceremony of the Park Ji-sung Football Center on July 24 and leave for the U.K. on July 26. His great friend and team-mate Patrice Evra of France will also be present at the event.

source : Chosun Ilbo