Park, Koreans stars to play charity match
Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung will lead a host of Korean football stars to play in a charity event, the Asian Dream Cup, in Bangkok in May.
The one-day event on May 23 at Muang Thong United ground is a project of the JS Foundation, founded by Park, 31, who joined the English Premier League champions in 2005, with an aim to help push young Asian talents on to the international stage.
The former South Korea international will feature in the International All Stars team, which also include the likes of Glasgow Celtic’s Ki Sung-yueng, Bolton midfielder Lee Chung-yong and former Roma star Hidetoshi Nakata, against the Thai All Stars team led by former national striker Kiartisak “Zico” Senamuang. The proceeds from the game will go to charity organisations.
Apart from the action on the pitch, there will be a clinic for young Thai players conducted by Park Ji-sung himself and other Korean stars such as striker Jong Tae-se of German club Cologne.
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson sent his good wishes through a video message at the press conference yesterday.
“I know the work Park does. His charity foundation is well known. So I would like to say that Park is a fantastic professional. He has a real caring heart.
“Whatever he is going to achieve out there, I hope he will enjoy it. It’s a fantastic contribution to the welfare of others. He’s fantastic in that way. Have a good day and all the success,” said the Scottish manager, who signed Park from Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven.
Kiartisak, the current coach of Thailand Premier League side Big Bang Chula United, believes the presence of Park will inspire Thai kids to pursue their dream of becoming a professional player.
“I think what our children can gain most from the event is the experience of Park Ji-sung, who fought his way to play at the highest level. I don’t see there is a big difference between what we do here and in other countries in terms of coaching techniques when training the kids. But they will learn other matters such as how to adapt to high-level football,” Kiartisak said.
