Jesse Lingard, a former Manchester United and England midfielder, stated he wanted to “enjoy playing football again” after signing with South Korean club FC Seoul on Thursday.
After his contract with Nottingham Forest expired last summer, the 31-year-old ended up without a club. After 22 years at United, Lingard announced his departure from Old Trafford in 2022, saying he was “ready to accept” the new challenge that Seoul would offer.
After being greeted by fans at the airport, he told reporters at a press conference, “It’s a new beginning for me, a new chapter in my career.” He added, “I just want to enjoy playing football again, putting a smile on people’s faces and showing the Korean fans what I can do.”
Lingard stated that he got “multiple offers” but they were “all verbal” and that he signed for Seoul because they were committed to signing him. He stated that it took “two or three days” to reach the agreement with Seoul.
“Everyone was happy with the deal and now I’ve finally signed I can concentrate on my football,” said Lingard. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch.”
He also added, “I’ve come here to embrace the culture, learn new things and more about the K-League, to make it more global than it already is. For personal goals, I have them written down back at home, but it’s about the team, and I want to play for the team.”