Newcastle United midfielder Ki Sung-yueng has admitted that he is still pondering his future on the international stage with South Korea.
As quoted by Yonhap News Agency, the experienced midfielder discussed his current situation following his country’s recent triumph in the Asian Games competition.
Playing with a foreign club, I do feel pressure travelling to my home country. It’s not only about my physical condition. I had doubts whether I can devote myself 100 per cent to the national team. I’ve had serious discussions about this with seniors around me.
Ki completed a free transfer to Newcastle during the summer transfer window and after putting the pressure of another major competition behind him with South Korea, he is mulling over his future involvement.
The 29-year-old, who joined the Magpies after running down his contract with Championship club Swansea City, will be focusing on the task at hand under Rafa Benitez at Newcastle but has conceded that the thought of international retirement has crossed his mind.
Ki recently gave up the captaincy role of South Korea’s senior side, handing the accolade over to Tottenham Hotspur star Heung-min Son. The midfielder proceeded to explain his decision.
I actually feel relieved. I already told the coach that Son is the right man to be the captain. The national team captain needs to be served by a player who can best represent the country. I just need to help him along the way.
