Park Ji-Sung leaves Man U for the Queens
Park-ing fantastic!
It must be pretty grim up north for Manchester United midfielder and South Korean football star Park Ji-Sung if he has to shift his post from the top-flight club to London-based Queens Park Rangers.
Although QPR—whose players are not called the Queens—didn't disclose what they paid for Park's two-year deal, reports speculate the transfer fee to be somewhere between UK£2mil and UK£5mil. In a rarity for a Premier League footballer, however, Park said the decision to move was motivated by his search for a challenge and that money wasn't a factor.
"Money not important. Important is the future, how we are going to do, to reach the achievements. QPR has explained to me their goal and plans. I'm impressed, so I signed up," he told the press at his signing ceremony on Loftus Road.
Park, 31, will likely replace Joey Barton as captain; Barton was stripped of his captaincy and fined six weeks wages after a sending off against Manchester City last month.
"I know QPR wants to improve and I want to help them with their ambition to reach the next level. I try my best," Park added. "I am delighted to be a QPR player. It is a club with huge history and tradition and a great ambition to achieve at the very highest level. I wanted to be part of this and I am excited about getting started in pre-season and going on our tour to Asia in the coming days."
Park made over 200 appearances for Man United since 2005, winning four Premier League titles and one Champions Leagues title with them. He's the second Red Devil that QPR has captured in recent weeks, following defender Fabio Da Silva to London.
His arrival at W12 represents a significant transfer for QPR boss Mark Hughes. "This is a real coup for QPR. We are delighted Park is going to join us because his record speaks for itself. He has been a big player for Manchester United and played a big part in their success in recent years."
"He is hugely respected there because of what he has achieved, his application to his work and the impact he has on games. He was always picked for the big matches because they could rely on him, and we are going to reap all those qualities. This is a huge signing for this football club."
QPR Chairman Tony Fernandes also hailed Park's transfer. "I'm overjoyed and can't wait to see him in a QPR shirt. Park is a global star." Tony did not say if his airline company would resume flights to London for fans to see his latest signing.
Published: 12th July 2012
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