Park could be winding down his international career after
three World Cup campaigns and three Asian Cup tournaments, although he has
remained evasive about his future.
“I won't put too much meaning to the fact that it'll be my
100th match,” said Park, who made his international debut in 2000. “It's the
semifinal and against Japan, and that will make the match very interesting.”
The Manchester United midfielder has grown into one of Asia's biggest stars and
he would reach his pinnacle if South Korea finally won its third Asian Cup
title after waiting since 1960.
South Korea coach Cho Kwang-rae said Park has done an “excellent
job” for his country so far at the tournament.
“I'd like to congratulate him and as a gift I'd like to give
him victory tomorrow,” Cho said Monday. “He has shown outstanding leadership on
and off the field I want him to continue his excellent contribution to the end
of the Asian Cup.” Midfielder Koo Ja-cheol, one of South Korea's crop of
younger players, said Park had been an inspiration to the entire team.
“To be with a player who is one of the best is the world is
important. He is giving us a lot of advice both on and off the pitch to make
young players like me comfortable,” the 21-year-old Koo said. “He has excellent
leadership of the team and is the perfect example of someone who sacrifices
himself for the team very much.”
The 29-year-old Park made his World Cup debut
in 2002, when he was picked by then-coach Guus Hiddink for the tournament South
Korea co-hosted with Japan and went on to reach the semifinals. Park played in
2006 and 2010 as well and has scored at all three World Cup tournaments.
Park has distinguished himself with exemplary commitment and
fitness on both club and country level.
After moving to Manchester United in 2005, Park helped the
club win three consecutive Premier League titles and was the first Asian to
play in a Champions League final when United lost to Barcelona in 2009.
The season before that, Park had helped United reach the
final but was excluded from the squad against Chelsea by manager Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United won on penalties.
