Striker Hwang Eui-jo (31), who signed a short-term lease contract for six months with FC Seoul this winter, joined the Seoul team, which left for the winter training in Kagoshima, Japan, through Incheon International Airport on the 6th. Arriving at his departure hall and meeting with the club officials, he showed a mixture of excitement and tension.
Hwang Eui-jo, who left Bordeaux (France) in August last year and moved to Nottingham Forest (England), moved on loan to Olympiacos (Greece), which is owned by the same owner, but failed to score in 12 official matches. Having finished his lease with Olympiacos early, he could not play an official game even if he returned to Nottingham, his original team, this winter. This is because of the rules of the International Football Federation (FIFA), which allows only two clubs to play official matches in a season. However, if the league schedule is different from Europe, which is the autumn festival, you can play up to three clubs in one season. He naturally showed interest from some clubs in Korea, the United States, and Japan, where the Spring and Autumn Festival was held. FC Seoul was one of the most active teams.
Hwang Ui-jo said at the departure hall, “There were several offers, including the United States, but I thought coming to Seoul (in the familiar K-League) would be an opportunity to go to Europe and show a good side.” Last year, he sought advice from Hwang In-beom (Olympiacos), who, like himself, lived on short-term rental in Seoul. Also, Ki Seong-yueng, who is a European senior and is in his twilight years as a player in Seoul, called first. He said, “Sung-yong told me about his older brother’s experience (in a situation like mine). He said he would like to come to Seoul when the opportunity arises,” he laughed.
Ki Sung-yong hoped that Hwang Ui-jo would improve his form while living stably in Korea, rather than forcibly challenging another overseas league as he had problems with his European career. In addition, the head coach of Seoul is coach Ahn Ik-soo, who was the head coach when Hwang Eui-jo spent his early professional days in Seongnam. Looking at the video released by the Seoul club the day before, coach Ahn jokingly kicked and was happy when he reunited with Hwang Eui-jo. Hwang Eui-jo said, “I remembered my rookie days. For six months, he will have to play with the heart of a rookie.”
Can Hwang Ui-jo and Seoul, who are trying to restore their honor, and director Ahn Ik-soo achieve a ‘win-win’? In the first place, when he was trying to return to Korea, not only Seoul but also some teams were interested. However, short-term rental acquisitions come with risks. If you join a short-term rental in the summer in the Spring and Autumn League, you can enjoy the effect of power reinforcement. However, joining in the winter and leaving in the summer is a completely different story. Even if a star player like Hwang Eui-jo shows his skills, 토토사이트 it is uncertain to secure a substitute in the second half, which could rather negatively affect the team. In other words, Hwang Ui-jo has to bring more value to the team than performance.
Regarding this, coach Ahn said, “Uijo’s professionalism and thoughts of dedication and sacrifice as a national team player can give a good message to the team.” Captain Na Sang-ho expected that he would immediately instill confidence in the attacking team, saying, “Uijo-hyung will fill in the part where we didn’t score many goals (last year).” Then he jokingly said, “Hyung, let’s score double digits for six months.” Hwang Eui-jo, who received the expectations of the command tower and colleagues amidst various risks, plans to meet Seoul fans with a greater sense of responsibility than ever.