'Good job, Heung-min.' Ki Sung-yueng's heartfelt message to Son Heung-min on his 'last World Cup': "That pressure is a lonely battle, but..." [Incheon]

*This content was translated by AI.

Ki Sung-yueng (37, Pohang Steelers) offered heartfelt words of encouragement and advice to his younger teammates.

Pohang secured a 1-0 victory in their away match against Incheon United at Incheon Football Stadium on the 12th, thanks to a penalty kick goal by Lee Ho-jae in the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2026' Round 14.

Pohang continued their unbeaten run of four matches (three wins, one draw), maintaining fourth place with 22 points (six wins, four draws, four losses). With only one game fewer than second-place Ulsan HD (23 points), the point gap is just one, laying the groundwork for a push toward the top ranks.

Ki Sung-yueng, who anchored Pohang's midfield that day, delivered steady passes and excellent game control on both offense and defense, performing smoothly. Relying on his characteristic wide vision, he strongly supported the team's core. Ki Sung-yueng played until the 18th minute of the second half before being substituted for Kim Seung-ho.

In the mixed zone after the match, Ki Sung-yueng expressed satisfaction with the team's upward momentum despite acknowledging the fatigue of an away game. He said, "It's physically tough playing away, but the players are sticking together and accumulating points. We will hold on until the break and finish in the top ranks."

When asked about the reason for his recent change to long hair, he smiled and replied, "There's no special reason; my wife likes it, so I've been growing it out. I think I'll cut it when the weather gets hotter."

On the day of the match, Koo Ja-cheol, a close friend of the same age who once played together on the national team, visited the stadium, drawing attention. Even Lee Chung-yong (Incheon), who briefly faced off against Koo in the second half, joined the three in the mixed zone for a brief, smiling chat. Ki Sung-yueng said, "It's been a long time since we met. Seeing friends I cherish most made my heart swell with emotion."

When Koo Ja-cheol, who has transitioned into administration after retirement, told reporters that he envied Ki Sung-yueng and Lee Chung-yong for still playing on the field, Ki Sung-yueng responded with a smile, saying, "Actually, I envy (Koo) Ja-cheol for living a new life."

He also left sincere words of support for his younger teammates ahead of the North America World Cup. Ki Sung-yueng said, "I hope the talented players of this generation prove their worth through this tournament and seize opportunities to transfer to even better teams." He added, "The result of the first match will be the biggest turning point for the remaining group stage schedule."

When asked if he ever regretted retiring from the Lee Reun (CEO) team, Ki Sung-yueng stated firmly, "I made the right decision at the time, so I have never once regretted it. In fact, thanks to retirement, I was able to extend my playing career even longer." He further added, "Now that I am no longer in that position, I think I can watch the World Cup with a relaxed mind."

In particular, he conveyed deep affection for veteran players like Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), who are playing their final World Cup. Ki Sung-yueng said, "As the team's senior, the burden they must carry must be immense. I want to first tell them, 'You've worked so hard.' Enduring that pressure is truly a lonely battle. Regardless of the outcome, they are players who have always dedicated themselves to Korea. I hope they can lighten their load a bit and prepare with a relaxed mind for themselves, their younger teammates, and Korean football. I will sincerely support them as they beautifully decorate this final stage."

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*This content was translated by AI.