The 29-year-old Manchester United player has been balancing commitments to clubs in Europe and South Korea for almost eight years. Before joining United in 2005, Park spent two seasons at PSV Eindhoven.

Asked about retiring, Park said: "For now I can't say anything. Maybe after the Asian Cup I will." Park will join South Korea as it tries to win the Asian Cup for the first time since 1960 after United plays Sunderland on Sunday.

His four Premier League goals this season - including the winner against Arsenal two weeks ago - have helped to lift United to the top of the standings.

"I totally believe we will still be No. 1 when I come back," Park said. "Playing for the national team is an honor but I am going to miss several games, so it is quite disappointing.

"But Manchester United have a big enough squad to be very strong and they will do well without me." The final of the continental tournament in Qatar is not until Jan. 29.

"I will keep an eye on United's schedule and results and will focus on the team when I am away," Park said. "A lot of the South Korean players are very interested in the Premier League. They ask questions about what life there is like, so I try to give them answers." South Korea's group also features Australia, Bahrain and India.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti gave his strongest hint yet on Friday that former AC Milan boss Leonardo was being lined up to replace Rafael Benitez.

The Brazilian is hot favorite to succeed Benitez, who left the treble winners on Thursday after just six months in charge following a poor domestic spell and his public attack on Inter for not investing in new players.

Asked if the possible appointment of Leonardo might be seen as a slight against Milan, Moratti told reporters: "I never think along those lines, I don't set out to spite anyone. It would be a shame if it were interpreted in such a way." Moratti did not confirm talks were taking place with Leonardo but added: "We won't be making an announcement about the new Inter coach today. It will be after Christmas, and not before the 27th." Leonardo failed to particularly shine in his only season in management with Milan last term, leading the Rossoneri to third place in Serie A and the Champions League last 16 before leaving.

Foreign pundits have been gob smacked that the World club, European and Italian champions would want to hire a failed coach of their great rivals but many players and managers have switched allegiances in Serie A over the years.

Netherlands midfielder Ibrahim Afellay completed his transfer to Barcelona from PSV Eindhoven when he signed a 4-1/2 year contract on Friday.

Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta told a news conference the 24-year-old would be the only player brought in during the January transfer window and the Spanish champions' squad was now complete.

PSV received three million euros ($3.9 million) for Afellay and the attacking midfielder's new contract includes a buyout clause worth 100 million euros, Barcelona said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.cat).

The Dutch club would also get an unidentified percentage of any future transfer fee if Afellay was sold on, the statement added.

Afellay, who is the latest in a long line of Dutch players at the Catalan club, will wear the number 20 shirt.

He will be eligible to make his first appearance for Barca in the La Liga match at home to Levante on Jan. 2.

"He is a player who has the characteristics of FC Barcelona," Zubizarreta said.

"He can play in every position in the center of the pitch, is in superb physical condition and of an age that mixes youth with experience."