Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard believes a shock move to South Korea is the ‘perfect place’ for him to reignite his career.
The United academy graduate sealed a move to FC Seoul earlier this week, with the club confirming his arrival on Thursday. He has joined the South Korean outfit on a two-year deal.
The 31-year-old, who left Old Trafford in June 2022, had been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season. He signed a one-year deal at the City Ground in July 2022 and made just 20 appearances for the club.
Following his departure from the Midlands, Lingard spent time in Saudi Arabia, training with Al Ettifaq, who are managed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. A deal, however, failed to come to fruition.
Lingard received a collection of offers in pursuit of a new club, but he has settled on a move to Seoul, who play in K League 1. He was impressed by the level of interest they expressed in him and was keen to repay them by joining them.
Lingard, speaking at his official unveiling, said: “I’m very excited. It is a new challenge, but I have accepted it.
“I’m here, I’m ready to embrace the culture, it is a new beginning for me, a new chapter in my career and I just want to enjoy playing football again. I want to put a smile on people’s faces and show the Korean fans what I can do.
“When FC Seoul came into the equation, the commitment that they showed… they flew to Manchester to watch me train. I got put through some tests by the physios in Manchester and they came through with a contract on paper.
“The commitment shown by the club made up my mind about where I wanted to go. There was multiple offers but they were all verbal offers.
“The commitment shown by FC Seoul showed how much interest [they had] and how much they wanted me at the club, so it was only right to repay that and come to the club.”
“I’ve always wanted a different challenge and to create new memories in my career,” Lingard added, speaking in a separate interview. “I believe South Korea is the perfect place for that.”