I'm a Celtic cult hero - here's why I'm making shock retirement U-turn

The National

26-06-2025

The South Korean, who played 87 times for the Parkhead club, was deemed surplus to requirements at FC Seoul in his homeland.
After manager Gi-dong Kim told Ki that he was no longer in his plans, the 36-year-old decided to hang up his boots and told Kim as much.
He has since made a surprising U-turn, though, and will now play on with Pohang Steelers.
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The midfielder explained the situation on Instagram: "I am posting this with a heavy and sorry heart, thinking of the fans who support me," wrote Ki.
"Recently, in a conversation with my coach, I heard that I am not in the team's plans for the future. I thought that it was the time to retire, so I told my coach that I would retire and he respected my intentions.
"However, family, and footballers I trust and rely on have yet to do more as a player, and in confusion, they have looked into me worried for a few days. And I realised that I still have more and the will to walk more is strong. It was very painful and difficult for me as a player to force myself to have this heart that I want to have.
"Of course, I thought deeply whether this is my greed as a military officer. However, when I concentrate only on my mind, 'I want to and I can do it'. Maybe this is selfish, but I think it's my most honest mind. I also thought that if I had a chance to finish my last career as a player so that I could do my best to lay down on the ground and retire in a good shape.
"While I told my heart to the club and was waiting for a team that needed me, Pohang coach Park Tae-ha contacted me first that I needed him and decided to transfer. It may not have been an easy decision, but I am very grateful to coach Tae-ha Park for embracing me.
"I know all too well that you will be surprised by the sudden news and it will be hard to accept. When I came back to Korea, I never imagined my life as a player in a place other than Seoul, and I am still confused by this situation. My heart hurts when I think about Seoul fans and I still can't sleep well. I'm just sorry that I'm not good enough that I've come to this situation.
"It was a very difficult time for me to make this decision.
"I dare you to understand my decision and cheer me on so that I can pay off everything I have left as a football player and play football happily.
"FC Seoul is my hometown. It is also my pride. I was obsessed with this team as much as I wanted to burn my last here and I loved it so much. My colleagues and FC Seoul fans who l've been with have been so precious to me in my life.
"I was always touched by your love that always lifted me up with deep affection and support. I also promise that my heart towards you will never change, and I will hold you in my heart forever. Please support our players in the future!
"I'm so sorry to stop greeting you with this news. Thank you."