Football and business are not easy. Jesse Lingard (33, FC Seoul) has received a business suspension order while operating a fashion brand.
The British 'The Sun' reported on the 10th (Korea time) that "Lingard's fashion company, formerly a Manchester United star, was suspended for failing to submit financial statements on time. His company received a closure order from the Companies House in April."
The media explained that "Lingard's clothing company, 'Be Yourself Clothing', received a fine of £750 (about 1.4 million won) for failing to submit reports since 2023."
According to the last submitted financial statements, the company's finances are serious. The financial statements dated January 31, 2023, show that Be Yourself Clothing had a debt of £53,953 (about 100 million won) and only held cash of £4,772 (about 8.89 million won). Unsold inventory amounted to £25,126 (about 46.9 million won), and accounts receivable were £339 (about 620,000 won).
Lingard has already experienced failure in the fashion business. He decided to close his brand 'JLingz Ltd', which was inspired by his own celebration pose, last January.
JLingz is a personal clothing brand started by Lingard in December 2018, dealing with various clothes, shoes, and sports equipment. Despite consistently releasing new lineups even during the season, the results were disastrous. JLingz struggled with a loss of over 300 million won just six months after its launch.
In the end, Lingard voluntarily entered the liquidation process and closed the business last January. According to The Sun, JLingz had a liability of £276,000 (about 514 million won). Over the course of six years, instead of making money, it incurred massive losses.
Meanwhile, Lingard, who dreamed of being a 'brand star', is currently continuing his football career at K League 1 Seoul. After being released from Nottingham Forest in June 2023, he remained a free agent for eight months but made a surprise signing with Seoul last year to make a comeback.
Lingard, who signed a two-year contract with Seoul, has appeared in 21 matches this season, recording 5 goals and 3 assists. He also serves as captain, but there are criticisms that his performance has declined compared to last season. Seoul is sitting in a shaky sixth place, not competing for the championship, but rather for a spot in the Final A. However, Lingard recently ignited signs of revival by scoring 1 goal and 1 assist against Pohang after about 70 days without a goal.
Lingard is also greatly satisfied with life in Seoul. Although he is earning a much lower salary compared to his time at Manchester United and the England national team, he is reportedly gaining strength from the love and support he receives in Korea. He has stated in several interviews that he is enjoying life in Korea.
'The Sun' also reported that "Lingard said in Korea that 'life's good' and believes he has quickly adapted to the new style of football. He also admitted to devouring McDonald's and Papa John's since moving to Korea."
[Photo] Jesse Lingard's social media, provided by the Korea Professional Football League (KPFL).
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