Professional footballer Ki Seong-yong (34, FC Seoul) played his 500th professional career match as a starter against Suwon FC at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 12th. This is the result of consistently playing the game since his professional debut in 2007.
Ki Sung-yueng, who learned soccer in Australia for four years as a child, went to Kumho High School and joined Seoul in 2006 at the age of 17. Since his professional debut in 2007, he played in Seoul until 2009. Afterwards, he went through Celtic (Scotland) and wore the Swansea City uniform of the English Premier League (EPL). He returned to Seoul in 2020 after experiencing European stages such as Sunderland and Newcastle (above England).
Until this day, he has participated in 193 games in various competitions for Seoul. He played 87 games for Celtic and a total of 219 for three Premier League teams. He played one game in Mallorca (Spain) in 2020 before returning to Seoul.
Ki Seong-yong said, “I wasn’t 안전놀이터추천 thinking too much about 500 games. It feels futile because time seems to have passed quickly. He made his debut in 2007 and is happy to fill 500 games in the same place over time. The stadium is the same, but I’m getting older. I have many thoughts.”
He made his professional debut on March 4, 2007 against Daegu. 16 years is the most memorable moment in a long time. He said, “His first game was the most nerve-wracking. At the time, coach Senol Gunes gave him many opportunities from winter training, but he did not think he could play. I still feel the thrill of that time. A lot of seniors supported me and I ran like crazy.”
Retirement is getting closer as I pass my mid-30s. Ki Sung-yueng thought of the team first. He said, “Because I was at FC Seoul, I was able to become a national representative and advance overseas. He means a lot to me even if he doesn’t say it,” he said. That’s why the games in front of him are more precious. Until the day he quits, he wants to be a player who can be of value to the team.”
Seoul coach Ahn Ik-soo also congratulated Ki Sung-yong on his 500th appearance. After evaluating, “(Ki) Seong-yong is a down record,” he said, “I have put in a lot of effort. I want to applaud you. He did well in difficult circumstances with a lot of patience, hard work and responsibility. I hope that he will become a good role model while playing for a long time.”