South Korea coach Cho lauds centenarian Park

January 25, 2011 | 08:00

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DOHA - South Korea coach Cho Kwang-Rae has praised the commitment and longevity of captain Park Ji-Sung, with the Manchester United star poised to win his 100th international cap.

The hard-working 29-year-old midfielder, who made his debut in 2000 and has played at three World Cups, will reach the milestone when South Korea take on Japan in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup on Tuesday.

"I would like to congratulate Park Ji-Sung on his 100 international caps," said Cho on Monday. "As a gift, I want to give him the gift of victory in Tuesday's match.

"Park Ji-Sung is a player with outstanding leadership, on and off the pitch. He's done an excellent job for his country in the tournament so far and I want him to continue his excellent job until the very end of the Asian Cup."

Park has hinted that he may retire from international football at the end of the tournament, but 21-year-old attacking midfielder Koo Ja-Cheol heralded his influence on the younger members of the squad.

"I am very proud of him. I'm playing with one of the best players in the world," said Koo.

"He gives us advice on and off the pitch and makes the young players like me very comfortable through his excellent leadership of the team.

"There are no selfish players in the team but he is the perfect example of someone who sacrifices himself for the team."

AFP

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