Veteran national football team player Lee Jae-sung, who had dreamed of a spectacular "last dance" at the North and Central America World Cup, has shared his thoughts after concluding the tournament.
While stating that he is "sincerely sorry," he confessed that it is difficult to accept such an ending at this moment.
The 34-year-old Lee had previously expressed his determination multiple times to "burn his final flame" at this World Cup.
[Interview] Lee Jae-sung / National Football Team Midfielder (Last Year): "I am thinking that this will be my last World Cup. My biggest goal is to truly bring joy and happiness to the people, and as a national team player, I want to finish on a high note."
Perhaps that is why the sense of loss felt even greater.
Lee, who returned home quietly yesterday (July 1), wrote on his social media account, "I am truly sorry for delivering the pain of defeat," adding, "It is an unimaginable ending, so it is difficult for me to accept it right now."
He did not, however, make any mention of the alleged conflict within the team, which had been cited as the reason for his exclusion from the starting lineup in the match against South Africa. He left a lingering note by pledging, "I will strive to bring you joy with a better performance in the future."
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