Park Ji-sung Reveals 1-Year Prep for 'Icon Match', Assures Fans 'My Knee is Fine'

Former football star Park Ji-sung has opened up about the rigorous one-year preparation behind his 'Icon Match' appearance and addressed concerns about his knee condition.

In a video released on October 10th on former player Park Joo-ho's YouTube channel 'Captain Pa-cho', Park Ji-sung shared that he dedicated a full year to preparing for the 'Icon Match'. He stated, "Since I hadn't exercised for a long time, I had to rebuild my muscles," showcasing his unwavering diligence towards the game.

Addressing worries about his knee health, Park Ji-sung reassured viewers, "There are no problems with my daily life." He explained that while he experienced discomfort for about 10 days post-match, he has since recovered. He humorously recalled, "My knee swelled up, making it difficult to walk properly, so I limped a bit," offering a glimpse into the challenges he faced. However, he quickly comforted those concerned, adding, "The swelling subsides with time, and I'm fine."

Park Ji-sung started for FC Sphere in the 'Icon Match' held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium last September. Despite his less-than-ideal knee condition, he played for 55 minutes, receiving enthusiastic support from the crowd.

Korean netizens reacted to the video with comments like, "Park Ji-sung, your health is the top priority. It's saddening to see you push your body for the fans, but self-care is also crucial," and "'Hae-beoji's' passion is still there! Please enjoy football for a long time without injury." They expressed both concern for his well-being and support for his continued efforts.