"I also retired in Pohang like Ki Sung-yueng."

FC Seoul and Pohang Steelers will face off on the 29th at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 Round 21.

Ahead of this match, an unusual pre-match press conference was held in the press conference room. Due to the recent emergence of the Ki Sung-yueng transfer issue, a large number of journalists gathered, and interviews were conducted in the official press conference room.

Pohang coach Park Tae-ha said, "I happened to hear from the agent during a currency call that Ki Sung-yueng would be leaving Seoul. We had many concerns regarding our midfield, but we had no recruitment plans this summer due to financial issues. However, I reported to the club after hearing that Ki would leave. I inquired whether we could make a recruitment depending on the team situation, and it was done smoothly."

He continued, "While I was on a currency call with Ki Sung-yueng, I inquired about his physical condition. We talked about how he could perform when he joins our team."

When asked about the players' reactions to Ki Sung-yueng's transfer situation, he said, "There wasn't any special reaction as they were focused on preparing for today's match. However, I spoke with Shin Kwang-hoon. In my opinion, I expected he would surely show a good performance, but I asked Shin Kwang-hoon about the team's atmosphere and immediately pushed for recruitment."

Coach Park Tae-ha explained, "As long as he is ready to play, it shouldn't be a big problem. Shin Kwang-hoon is 2 years older than Ki Sung-yueng, but he is performing well enough to defy age. This was also a decisive factor in our judgment when we made the recruitment."

Regarding the environment at the stadium, which can be chaotic, he noted, "There's a lot of pressure. We have been greatly affected while preparing for the match. However, it is important to focus on the game. I communicated to the team that they should focus on showing good performance in terms of gameplay."

He also explained, "I retired in a similar situation in Pohang. I said I would welcome Ki if he came. I asked through his agent if he wouldn't feel regretful about the situation at FC Seoul. I spoke to him not as a coach, but as a senior player in football."

[OSEN]