"Retirement" Koo Ja-cheol's best moment was the London Bronze Award..."Tearful" to recall the 2014 World Cup
"Retirement" Koo Ja-cheol's best moment was the London Bronze Award..."Tearful" to recall the 2014 World Cup
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Koo Ja-cheol (36), the "legend" of Korean soccer, takes off his soccer shoes and starts his second soccer life.
Koo announced his retirement from active duty after last season. He will now become Jeju SK's youth advisor and take on a new role in fostering promising players.
Koo is a legend in Korean soccer. He started his professional career by joining Jeju Island in 2007 and moved to Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga in 2011, to challenge himself in the European leagues. He showed success in Germany. During the 2018-2019 season, he played in 211 matches in the Bundesliga, including Augsburg and Mainz05, scoring 28 goals and 17 assists. He has also made significant strides in the Korean national soccer team. Since his A-match debut in 2008, he has scored 19 points in 76 matches. At the 2012 London Olympics, he was a leading player in the bronze medal scene.
"I prepared for retirement for many years. I can't hold my muscles. The same goes for my knees and ankles. After joining Korea, I have no clue about my resilience. I have decided to retire without any regrets," Koo said at a press conference for his retirement.
Koo Ja-cheol's best moment in his soccer life was the bronze medal at the London Olympics. At that time, Koo Ja-cheol played as a key player in the national team and led him to win the first medal.
"The most memorable moment was when I won the bronze medal at the London Olympics. I remember watching the national flag go up at the award ceremony," Koo said. "I was embarrassed after losing in an away match in Sapporo in 2011. I entered the Olympic Games with the determination to quit soccer if I lose. I didn't think I would lose. I just thought about winning."
"There were times when I felt sick. It was the 2014 FIFA World Cup Russia. Koo led the team as captain, but he failed to make it to the group stage with one draw and two losses in three matches.
"I was too young back then. I have the title of captain of the World Cup and the youngest captain of the national team, but personally, I am not proud at all," Koo said. "I don't think that comes with social responsibility when a player participates in a World Cup. I didn't think of that at the time. It was not a good time. I felt sorry for those who benefit from the World Cup and make a living. That's why I have 2014 in my heart."
Friends Ki Sung-yueng and Lee Chung-yong are still active. Koo Ja-cheol said, "My friends said, 'It's a shame. Thank you. They were great players. They were diligent and had a lot of affection for soccer. I also corrected my mind through them. I will be a person who has no shame in my friends. They will retire soon, so I will wait for them first. I want to say that it was an honor to be with them."
Koo Ja-cheol, 먹튀검증 who will take on his new role in Jeju Island, said, "I don't have any intention to change anything urgently. There is respect and respect for those who work in Korea. I don't think it's superior and I know more," adding, "I want the juvenile system to change more positively. I will not give up until I get interested and tie the knot, and I will try to be wise. I want to help him to go through youth and become a member of the first team and settle down."