South Korea's Park Ji-Sung Officially Retires From International Football

Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung has officially called it quits from the international arena after representing South Korea 100 times.
Park Ji-Sung has officially retired from international football after representing South Korea 100 times.

The Manchester United midfielder had previously said the 2011 Asian Cup would mark the end of his South Korea career, which has lasted over a decade and included three World Cup campaigns - all of which he scored in.

He said allowing the country's burgeoning stars the oppurtunity to develop further was one of the main reasons for his departing the international arena at the age of 29.

"As you saw at the Asian Cup, there are many young players with great potential and passion for the game," Park said.

"And I think it behooves me as a veteran to let them have the opportunity to experience big matches. I felt I had to give them an opening now so that the national team can start preparing for the 2014 FIFA World Cup."

Park mentioned the likes of Hamburg starlet Son Heung-Min when speaking of Korea's new generation of stars.

He called the 2002 World Cup semi final his best moment in a South Korea jersey and the recent Asian Cup his most disappointing, as his team were knocked out by archrivals Japan at the semi-final stage.