 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
On the day he took off his soccer shoes, tears flowed in Koo Ja-cheol's eyes.
Koo Ja-cheol had a time to officially say goodbye to the ground after finishing the sixth round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' against Suwon FC at 2 p.m. on the 30th at Jeju World Cup Stadium. Ku Ja-cheol, a teammate of the team wearing a "Thank KOO" T-shirt and standing on the podium at the half-line with applause from fans, said "I thought I wouldn't cry today, but I'm about to cry. Wearing a Jeju SK uniform was the most important moment for me. The times I played in Jeju SK uniforms were the happiest in my life. I really like this place,' he said, shedding tears while saying his retirement speech.
Koo Ja-cheol, who played in Jeju from 2007 to 2010, 2022 to 2024, said "There are so many people who need to express their gratitude. I'm so sorry that I can't tell you every single one of them. And thank you so much. When Jeju went on an expedition, I thought I would represent Jeju Island. Every moment was meaningful. I will cherish the moment I played in Jeju SK uniform for the rest of my life. Although I can't play on the ground anymore, I'll keep that memory in my heart. Even after retirement, I will work hard for Jeju SK, for fans, and for Jeju residents and make them happier. Thank you."
 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
 |
| photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association |
|
Former national team teammates such as Park Ji-sung, Park Joo-young, Lee Keun-ho, Son Heung-min, Ki Sung-yueng, Lee Chung-yong, Cho Hyun-woo and Lee Jae-sung, and Yoo Seung Min, president of the Korea Sports Council, cheered for Koo Ja-cheol's second soccer life through video letters. Koo Ja-cheol, who received a rinsing from his teammates, went around the stadium and said his final greetings to his fans one by one. Some Suwon FC fans also remained and produced a heartwarming scene of applauding Koo Ja-cheol. Koo Ja-cheol took a 'last winning shot' with his teammates and family in front of the home supporter's seat.
Koo Ja-cheol, who strode to the mixed zone (joint coverage area) after the retirement ceremony, said "I remember the first game clearly. "I'm having a sauna in the morning ahead of the away game in Incheon on April 11th, and the coach at the time, Jung Hae-sung, said he was the starter." "Since then, I've worked really hard day and night. I think that's why I'm here now."
Asked what he wanted to say to himself after 18 years on the ground, he said, "I didn't give up in the end at many moments when I wanted to give up," he replied, leaving a loud resonance.
Koo Ja-cheol, who plans to live a new life as a youth advisor in Jeju after retirement, said "Everyone knows I'm playing, but I'm really working hard until dawn."We plan to announce a surprise project in the next two months."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
