South Korean club FC Seoul introduced on Thursday English winger Jesse Lingard as a new player in its ranks.
After signing a contract, the details of which were not disclosed, Lingard was presented to the media at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, where the club plays its matches.
English media stated, “Lingard has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for another season.”
31-year-old Lingard, who has not played for any team since last summer, said, “I hope to return to the field and win with FC Seoul because I am a natural winner and competitor, and I want to win a title here.”
He continued, “I just want to enjoy playing football again, bring smiles to the fans’ faces, and prove my capabilities to the Korean audience.”
Lingard is expected to join his new team’s camp in Japan in the coming days as part of the preparations for the new season, which kicks off on March 1st.
Lingard has been without a team since his contract with Nottingham Forest ended in the summer of 2023.
Lingard has a notable football career. He joined Manchester United’s youth academy at a very young age and made his senior debut while on loan at Leicester City in 2012. Over the years, he has been loaned to several clubs, including Birmingham City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Derby County, before making his mark at Manchester United. His time at the club was highlighted by important goals in significant matches, including the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and FA Community Shield finals, making him one of only three players to score in all three finals. A productive loan spell at West Ham United in 2021 helped Lingard rediscover his form. He represented England at various levels, making his senior debut in 2016 and playing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. After his contract with Nottingham Forest ended in the summer of 2023, Lingard moved to FC Seoul in 2024, marking a new chapter in his career.
