Kisung Yong (36) has ultimately chosen to part ways with FC Seoul. His message, stating, "I didn't want to end like this, feeling powerless," was calm yet heavy. Having served as a symbol of Seoul for a long time, he prepared to don a new uniform while bidding farewell to the fans.
On the 25th, Kisung Yong communicated through his social media service (SNS) the background behind his separation from Seoul and his honest feelings leading up to the decision to transfer. His desire to finish his career solely at Seoul was ultimately unfulfilled.
"Thinking of the fans who have supported me, I write this with a heavy heart," Kisung Yong began, mentioning a recent meeting with head coach Kim Ki Dong, stating, "I heard that I would not be included in the team's future plans. At that moment, I was shaken enough to seriously contemplate retirement."
However, he did not easily step back. Amid the advice of family, friends, and long-time colleagues, Kisung Yong reflected on himself and remarked, "I felt the strong desire to still want to play. It was agonizing to suppress the urge to stand on the field, even for just a few minutes." This was not just simple attachment, but a determination that he wanted to finish as himself until the very end as a player.
After conveying this sentiment to the club, Pohang Steelers head coach Park Tae Ha reached out first. Kisung Yong expressed gratitude, saying, "It must not have been an easy decision, but I thank Coach Park for being so willing to extend a hand," and added, "Although leaving Seoul still feels strange, I have decided to embark on a new start."
Above all, the sense of guilt towards the fans weighed heavily on him. Kisung Yong noted, "I couldn’t even imagine wearing a uniform other than Seoul's," and added, "I still can’t believe it, and every time I think of the fans, it torments me to the point that I can’t sleep at night. I believe this situation arose because I wasn’t good enough."
Seoul was not just a team; it was his identity. "Seoul was my hometown and my pride. I loved this team more than anyone else and was obsessed with it. I wanted to ignite my final flame in Sangam, but I ultimately could not," he conveyed with regret.
He continued, "The colleagues and fans I have shared time with in Seoul were the most precious to me in my soccer life. The memories made with them will remain deep in my heart forever."
Finally, Kisung Yong stated, "Although I will be wearing an unfamiliar uniform, I want to show you my joyful playing until the very last moment," and cautiously requested, "Please understand and watch over me with warm eyes."
Kisung Yong started his professional career at FC Seoul in 2006, leading Korea's midfield through stints in Europe, including Celtic, Swansea, Sunderland, and Newcastle. Although it was expected that he would conclude his career at his hometown team, Seoul, the final stage has now shifted to Pohang.
The following is the full statement from Kisung Yong.
Hello, this is Kisung Yong.
I’m writing with a heavy and sorry heart, thinking of the fans who support me.
Recently, through a conversation with the coach, I heard that I would not be a part of the team's future plans. I came to think, 'It's time for me to retire,' and I told the coach that I would retire, and he respected my wishes.
However, my family and the soccer people I trust and rely on urged me that I still have plenty more to offer as a player, leading me to reflect on myself calmly for several days during this confusion. I realized that I still can sufficiently play and have a strong desire to do so. It was truly agonizing and difficult as a player to stifle the desire to play even for just a few minutes. Of course, as an older player, I also pondered deeply whether this was just my selfishness.
Yet, when I focused only on my feelings, the thought of 'I want to play and I can do it' surfaced. This may be selfish, but it feels like my most honest feeling. Rather than ending my career as a player so helplessly, I thought that if given the opportunity, I should do my best to navigate the field and retire in a good way, as a way to repay the fans.
After expressing my feelings to the club and while waiting for a team that needed me, Coach Park Tae Ha of Pohang was the first to reach out, stating he needed me, which led to my decision to transfer. I truly thank Coach Park for embracing me, knowing it must have been a tough decision.
I know many will be surprised by this sudden news and find it hard to accept. When I returned to Korea, I never imagined playing as a player anywhere but Seoul, so this situation still feels strange to me. Thinking of the Seoul fans truly breaks my heart, and I still struggle to sleep. I feel nothing but sorry that this situation arose because of my shortcomings. It has been a really tough time for me to reach this decision.
I humbly ask that you understand my decision, and I hope you will support me so that I can pour everything into the remaining time as a soccer player and repay you by showing a happy side.
FC Seoul is my hometown. It is also my pride. I wonder if there is anyone who loves this team as much as I do, as I was deeply obsessed with it, and I wanted to ignite my final flame here, a place I truly loved.
The colleagues and FC Seoul fans I’ve been with so far have been, and continue to be, invaluable to my life. The love that you have always given me with deep affection and support has been touching. I promise that my feelings towards you will not change, and I will carry them in my heart forever.
Please continue to support our players a lot and be their strength!
I sincerely apologize for greeting you with such news.
Thank you. I love you.
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