Recently retired ex-Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung did not take long to get back into football after calling time on his career – after taking part in a charity match.
The South Korea star, the first Asian player to take part in the Champions League Final, took part in a match between Indonesia All-Stars and a ‘friends of Park’ side to raise funds for the Park’s own JS foundation.
Despite the fundraising efforts, Park, 34, saw his side defeated 3-2 by the hosts in Jakarta, handing the All-Stars the Asian Dream Cup prize.
A free-kick from either side lit up the encounter as the players proved they could Bend it Like Beckham.
Park’s side included former Italy international wide man Gianluca Zambrotta and the cast of the popular Korean television programme Running Man – although the event was hit by delays.
The JS Foundation aims to build footballing infrastructure in southeast Asia, providing educational and financial support and a ‘cultural sharing festival’ through football.
Park retired last month after making 318 club appearances, scoring 45 goals – including 19 in 134 matches for United.
He was also part of Guus Hiddink’s South Korea side who finished fourth at the 2002 World Cup in his home country.
Image courtesy of Football Asia via Youtube with thanks
