Jesse Lingard's 13-minute K-League debut did not go to plan
Jesse Lingard made his debut for new club FC Seoul on Friday but it did not go to plan.
Lingard has signed a two-year contract with Seoul, becoming arguably the biggest signing in the history of the K-League.
The former Manchester United man had an extended period without a club following his release from Nottingham Forest at the end of last season.
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But after a number offers on the table, he has embarked on a new chapter in South Korea.
Lingard made his first appearance in the opening weekend of the new season but it was certainly not a debut to remember for the England international.
Jesse Lingard makes his K-League Debut 😭🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/LPGUvO0fST
— Cho 🇰🇷 (@thfc_cho) March 2, 2024
The 31-year-old came off the bench in a 2-0 loss to league leaders Gwangju, who claimed the win courtesy of goals from Hui-Gyan Lee and Gabriel Tigrao.
Wearing the No.10 shirt, Lingard entered the fray with the score at 1-0, playing 13 minutes and being shown a yellow card.
The card was brandished after Lingard lunged in and produced a poor, mistimed challenge near the touchline.
Lingard collected his first yellow card in 15 mins of his debut 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/FH6gUNHomQ
— 𝕃𝕚𝕝𝕪 ★ 🦋 (@LilyS2Bella_) March 2, 2024
Lingard is now the seventh English player to play in the K-League and spoke of his excitement about a new chapter in his career.
Speaking at his official unveiling, Lingard said: I’m really excited, it’s a new challenge but I’ve accepted it.
"I’m here, I’m ready to embrace the culture. It’s a new beginning for me, a new chapter in my career.
“I just want to enjoy playing football again and putting a smile on people’s faces and showing the Korea fans what I can do.
“When FC Seoul came into the equation, the commitment that they showed, they flew to Manchester to watch me train, I got put through some tests by the physios.
“They came with the contract on paper. There were multiple offers which were all verbal.
"The commitment shown by Seoul showed their interest and how much they wanted me and I wanted to repay that by going to the club.”
Seoul will look to bounce back next week when they host Incheon in what looks set to be Lingard's home debut.
Topics: Jesse Lingard, South Korea
Josh Lawless