'Late Confession' Lingard Explains Why He Chose FC Seoul: "I Needed a Place to Clear My Mind"... "Was Korea a Healing Camp?"

*This content was translated by AI.

Jesse Lingard (34), who left FC Seoul to join a Brazilian club, has revealed why he chose FC Seoul.

On the 27th (local time), the UK's BBC interviewed Lingard about his life in Brazil, his thoughts on his former club Manchester United, and his feelings about facing Neymar.

Lingard, who parted ways with K League 1's FC Seoul at the end of last season, joined Corinthians in March as a free agent (FA). The media reported, "Local experts called Lingard's move a 'strange signing' and expressed surprise. However, Lingard has quickly adapted, scoring his debut goal in the Copa do Brasil (cup tournament) recently."

Lingard stated, "Brazil is a high-level stage. The massive scale of the clubs and league, along with fierce competition, drew me in." He added, "My biggest goal is to lift the championship trophy," explaining the background of his signing.

Advice from his former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay played a decisive role in Lingard's move to Brazil. Lingard made his debut on the 0th at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, a sacred ground for Brazilian football.

Lingard is experiencing Brazil's unique fan culture firsthand. Regarding the environment where fans visit training grounds to offer both criticism and encouragement, he said, "It gives me a clear motivation to win in matches," and accepted it positively. Unlike his time in Korea, where he had an interpreter, he is now living without one.

He remarked, "Korean was very difficult, but I think I can learn Portuguese on my own," showing strong determination to master the local language.

He also expressed deep affection for Manchester United, where he spent 20 years since his youth days. Explaining his decision to leave Manchester United in June 2022, move to Nottingham Forest, and then head to FC Seoul, he said, "I needed time to focus solely on football and clear my mind."

Currently, Manchester United has been on an upward trend since Michael Carrick took over as the successor to manager Rúben Amorim in January, now aiming for a UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification spot. Lingard said, "Manager Carrick is someone who accurately understands Manchester United's DNA and internal affairs," and strongly supported his appointment as the permanent manager.

Lingard named Ronaldinho and Neymar as his favorite Brazilian players. Regarding the possibility of facing Neymar in an upcoming match against Santos, he expressed anticipation, saying, "Testing myself against a world-class player is always enjoyable."

Finally, Lingard, who has made 32 appearances for the England national team in A-matches, positively projected England's performance in the upcoming North American World Cup. He identified England, Brazil, and France as championship contenders, emphasizing, "Because the players of the England national team are so skilled, they can certainly lift the championship trophy."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.