I did not want to end this way, feeling so powerless.

Ki Sung-yueng (36), who has devoted many years as an emblem and captain of FC Seoul, will finally take off his Seoul uniform and embark on a new challenge.

On the 25th, Ki Sung-yueng revealed the background of his split from Seoul, his ongoing struggles, and his feelings of regret toward the fans directly through his social media.

Ki Sung-yueng opened up by saying, 'I leave this message with a heavy heart as I think of the fans who supported me.'

He further shared, 'Recently, during a meeting with manager Kim Ki-dong, I heard that I am not included in the team's future plans. It was a difficult time that made me consider retirement, but with the discouragement of family, friends, and teammates, I reconsidered' as he revealed the process leading to his decision to transfer.

Ki Sung-yueng explained, 'I still felt a passion for soccer inside me. It was painfully hard to hide my desire to play, even for just a few minutes,' adding that 'this is not just simple attachment but a strong desire to finish as myself until the very end as a player.'

After conveying this sentiment to the Seoul club, Ki received a direct call from Pohang manager Park Tae-ha. He expressed gratitude, saying, 'I sincerely thank manager Park for making this not easy decision,' and added, 'It is still hard to believe that I am leaving Seoul, but I want to start my final journey as a player again in Pohang.'

The most apologetic target was indeed the fans. Ki Sung-yueng stated, 'I had never imagined wearing a uniform other than Seoul's,' adding, 'This situation feels so unfamiliar, and there have been many sleepless nights thinking about the fans. I feel sorry because it seems this result came from my shortcomings.'

To Ki Sung-yueng, FC Seoul was not just a team. He conveyed, 'Seoul was my hometown and my pride. I loved and was obsessed with this team more than anyone. I wanted to burn brightly at Sangam until the end, but it didn't work out as I wished.' He also expressed gratitude, stating, 'The teammates and fans I’ve shared moments with are unforgettable in my soccer life.'

In the end, Ki Sung-yueng said, 'Now, I will be standing on the field in an unfamiliar uniform, but I wish to repay the fans by playing happily until the very end,' and he asked, 'Please understand my decision and watch over me with warm eyes.'

Since his professional debut in 2006, Ki's soccer life began in Seoul, went through the European stage and national team, but it will end with a different uniform.

Next is the full statement from Ki Sung-yueng.

Hello, this is Ki Sung-yueng. I am posting this with a heavy and apologetic heart, thinking of the fans who support me.

Not long ago, in a conversation with the manager, I heard that I am not included in the team's plans moving forward. I thought to myself that it is time to retire, so I told the manager I would retire, and he respected my wish.

However, my family and the soccer professionals I trust and rely on persuaded me that I could still do more as a player, and amidst the confusion, I took a few days to carefully reflect on myself. I realized that I still have the strength to play more and that my strong desire to play remains. It was truly painful and difficult as a player to suppress this feeling of wanting to play, even if just for a few minutes. Of course, as an older player, I also deeply pondered whether this is my selfishness.

When I focused solely on my heart, I thought, 'I want to play and I can,' and while it might be selfish, this is my most honest feeling. Rather than ending my career as a player helplessly, I believe it would be a repayment to the fans if I can do my best and leave the field with a good performance if given the opportunity.

After conveying my feelings to the club and waiting for a team that needed me, Pohang's manager Park Tae-ha was the first to reach out, saying he needed me, which led to my decision to transfer. I am truly grateful to manager Park for his understanding in this not easy decision.

I know many of you will be surprised by this sudden news and might find it hard to accept. I have never even imagined living a player life outside of Seoul when I returned to Korea, so this situation still feels unfamiliar to me. Thinking of the Seoul fans truly hurts, and I still struggle to sleep. I feel nothing but regret, as it seems this situation has arisen due to my shortcomings. It has been an incredibly difficult time for me to reach this decision.

I humbly ask for your understanding of my decision and to support me so that I can give my all during the remaining time as a soccer player and repay you by playing happily.

FC Seoul is my hometown. It is also my pride. I have been so obsessed with this team that I wonder if anyone else loves it as much as I do, and I wanted to burn brightly here until the end, as I truly loved it.

The teammates I have been with and the FC Seoul fans have been invaluable in my life, and they remain precious. The deep love and support I've received from all of you have always moved me. I promise that my feelings toward you will never change, and I will carry them in my heart forever.

Please continue to support our players and be a source of strength for them! I am truly sorry to have to greet you with such news. Thank you. I love you.

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