14-06-2025
'Even though it was bitter, I swallowed it'
KUALA LUMPUR: The farewell message from Sabah's South Korean footballer, Park Tae Su, was trenchant and poignant.
"Thank you, Sabah. Even though it was bitter, I swallowed it because this is the reality of football," he wrote on Instagram yesterday.
"I just hope that in the future, clubs can be more professional in treating us as players. We are human too. I joined Sabah in a respectful way in 2019. My hope was to leave in the same way.
"Since January, there were promises to sit down with me and talk (about salaries owing to Tae Su by Sabah). Time and again I waited, because I was loyal and loved this team, I didn't look for other clubs or opportunities. But there was no answer, only, 'we'll talk later'.
"When the season ended, I asked again. Still silence. As the English saying goes, 'no answer is an answer'."
Tae Su's message ended with well wishes for his former teammates. "It's okay. All the best to my beloved team, I'll always be your No. 1 supporter.
"I hope that in the future, we all learn that honesty, transparency and respect are not just decorative words in meetings, but essential foundations in building a strong team. Or at the very least, a team that appear to know what they are doing.
"Keep going. But maybe this time, with a bit more responsibility and common sense."
Tae Su, who arrived in Kota Kinabalu in 2019, quickly became a fan favourite. He made over 100 appearances for Sabah across all competitions, contributing 16 goals (as a defender) and helping Sabah qualify for the AFC Cup for the first time.
Sabah FC yesterday confirmed the release of 13 players from their squad, including Tae Su and Indonesia winger Saddil Ramdani.
"Some have been with us for years, some for seasons. Regardless, your contributions meant everything to this club. You'll always be part of the Sabah FC family. Selamat maju jaya! Once a Rhino, always a Rhino," wrote the club in a farewell message.
