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Manchester United's (L-R) Patrice Evra, Park Ji-sung and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrate winning their English Premier League soccer match against Wigan Athletic in Wigan, northern England on Sunday. /REUTERS
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Park Ji-sung is still hungry. The Manchester United striker has one more challenge to overcome -- Europe's Champions League. With his team winning the English Premier League title for a second straight year, Park now aims to conquer the European continent.
Manchester United captured the title by defeating Wigan at JJB Stadium on the final day of the 2007-2008 EPL season on Monday (Korean time). Park missed being part of the glory last year because of an injury, but he was able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his teammates on the winner's podium this time. And he didn't hide his desire for the Champions League, saying, "One is never satisfied no matter how many times one wins."
United will play Chelsea for the Champions cup in Moscow on May 22. Training is slated to begin right away, leaving no time to savor the EPL victory. But Park has another milestone to look forward to -- he could become the first Asian to play in the European league final. In the 1998-1999 Champions League season, Ali Daei of Iran advanced to the final with FC Bayern Munich, but he didn't make it out onto the pitch.
Park has some fierce competition ahead if he's to become a main player. To win the position he must leave two fellow players behind. Ryan Giggs recovered his reputation by scoring the victory goal in the match against Wigan, and Nani, who was banned from playing in the EPL final, will be allowed to participate in the Champions League final.
"The Champions League is a perfect opportunity. I believe we can achieve a good result because all of the team members feel confident of a victory," Park said. "I'll try to do what the team wants me to do. Also, I'll do my best to lead the game in a way I want without making mistakes."
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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