FC Seoul beat Gimcheon 3-1 in the 38th round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2024 held at Gimcheon Stadium at 2 p.m. on Sunday. With the victory, Seoul finished the league in fourth place with 58 points (16 wins, 10 draws and 12 losses), and is now very close to advancing to the Asian Champions League (ACL).

The team that brought the best K-League performance this season was Seoul. It accumulated more than 500,000 spectators in 18 home games, becoming the first team in the K-League to reach 500,000 spectators in a single season. He also showed good performance. Coach Kim Ki-dong, who led the Pohang Steelers' heyday, was newly appointed and clearly added his color to Seoul. Although the team had difficulties in the beginning, it became solid over time and eventually achieved a good result by ranking fourth in the league.

Lingard was the biggest factor in the box office success. Lingard, a former Manchester United player who has played in the World Cup for the English national team, has joined Seoul this season, defying everyone's expectations. Although he faced difficult situations due to injuries and poor sense of play in the beginning, he has emerged as an indispensable ace as he gradually melted into the team. He has recorded six goals and three assists in 26 games this season by banking on his wide field of view and accurate passes, and displayed his unique leadership by receiving the captain's armband. In the final league match against Gimcheon, he started as an attacking midfielder, acted as a lubricant for offense, and helped Cho Young-wook score the first goal with a sharp corner kick.바카라사이트

Lingard, who recalled his first season in Korea after the game, said, "I was so happy in Korea. I think I really enjoyed every moment both inside and outside the stadium. Overall, the season was enjoyable, but looking back, I think there were some bad times. Especially when we lost five consecutive games, it was really tough. However, we didn't lose our courage and confidence all the time, and we came back strong and showed how we overcome it."

Regarding the post-season vacation, he said, "I think I'll spend most of my time with my family. I'll spend a lot of time with my daughter, who I haven't seen much of. It's a shame that it's a little cold in England right now, but I'm going to enjoy my vacation by meeting friends in Manchester and London. And I think it will be most important to rest and come back healthy next season."

He also thanked his fans. "First of all, I want to say thank you to them. They always gave me great support, whether it was at home or away, for one season. I was especially surprised to see so many fans visiting us, no different from home games. I think we have a duty to repay them as much as we came to see the games at a cost. That's why I think I said a lot that we have to play a good game and win the game. Once again, I want to thank them for their wonderful support," Lingard said.

Finally, he defended the three players who scored today's goal to wrap up the interview. "Congratulations to Lim Sang-hyup and Ronaldo, Cho Young-wook," Lingard said. "They all had a tough season. However, I think they always worked harder than anyone else on the training ground. In particular, he told me that Ronaldo deserved this goal after the game. I'm very grateful to them, and I was very happy to be able to fight together as a family this season."

[FC Seoul midfielder Jesse Lingard interview]

-My first season in Seoul is over. How do you feel?

I was so happy in Korea. I think I really enjoyed every moment both inside and outside the stadium. Looking back at the season as a whole, it was fun, but there were also bad times. Especially when we lost five consecutive games, it was really hard. However, we didn't lose our courage and confidence all the time, and we came back strong and showed how we overcome it. I'm happy that the team showed great performance, especially the games we showed in the Final A (Top Split) stage, and I'm a little bit sad that we didn't win enough points. But today, it was so nice to be able to bring the victory according to the performance we showed.

-Now that the season is over, how are you going to spend it relaxing?

First of all, I think I will spend most of my time with my family. Especially, I will spend a lot of time with my daughter, who I haven't seen much of. It's a shame that it's a little cold in England right now, but I'm going to enjoy my vacation by meeting my friends in Manchester and London. And I think it will be most important to rest and come back healthy next season.

-Can you recommend K League to friends you meet in England?

I'll make a list this Christmas (laughs).

-I think 2024 will be more special for me. It was my first challenge on a new stage and I wasn't feeling well in the beginning, but I ended the season successfully. What kind of year has 2024 been for you?

I think it was a year when soccer was a big motivation. I always wanted to play games. I think this kind of mind motivated me to keep playing. And especially importantly, if I go to the Asian Champions League next year, I will play many big games. When I was in England, I experienced the UEFA Champions League. These can be really exciting experiences as a soccer player. So I want to feel this feeling again.

-Seoul has yet to confirm its advance to the ACL

I think I will finish the season in fourth place and go on to the Asian stage. If this is confirmed, I will ask the club for a bonus (lol).

-Thomas Tuchel will be appointed as the new coach of the English national soccer team from next year. He seems to have a desire to return to the national team

The hope of returning to the national team is something that always remains in my heart. England is my country and it is a great honor to play for it.