Ex-Manchester United player and fans’ favourite Park Ji-sung will be making a return to Old Trafford – but not as a player as he has been awarded a club ambassador role.
The 33-year-old, who made 134 appearances for the Reds in an eight-year spell, will return to Manchester and walk-out alongside Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of United’s home fixture against Everton on Sunday.
Park is the most decorated Asian footballer in history and won an array of accolades, including four Premier League titles, three League Cups, one UEFA Champions League and one FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Old Trafford.
“I have fond memories of my time at Manchester United and I am delighted and honoured to have become an ambassador for the club,” he told the club’s website.
“Some of the best moments of my life and career were spent here and I will never forget the great support I had from the club and the fans.
“I am looking forward to once again representing United and sharing some of these memories with our global fanbase.”
In his new role, Park will attend various events and functions on behalf of the club as well as promoting the work they do in the community and sharing anecdotes of his playing days.
Park joined United in 2005 from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for around £4million, scoring 19 goals in his time at the club.
He left in 2012 to join Queens Park Rangers for a season before going out on loan and ending his career at PSV with a persistent knee injury bringing his career to an end.
He also played for South Korea more than 100 times and is currently Asia’s joint all-time leading goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup finals.
Manchester United Group Managing Director Richard Arnold said: “Ji was a fantastic servant for the club and I’m delighted that he is becoming an ambassador for Manchester United.
“He has always been a favourite with our fans both at Old Trafford and around the world and this new role will give him the chance to meet many of these fans and share his stories.
“Ji joins a long list of ex-players who are now working with the club in various guises; from ambassadorial appearances, media work and in coaching roles at the Aon Training Complex.
“It demonstrates the club’s ability to not only attract some of the best talent in the world, but retain it even after the players have retired.”
Image courtesy of barclaysfootballtv, via YouTube, with thanks
