Former national team member Lee Chun-soo said, "The criticism is unfair" to Son Heung-min's transfer to Saudi Arabia and stressed that the individual player's choices should be respected.
Lee Chun-soo, "Saudi Arabia is actually a European league."
two thousand times
On the 26th, Lee Chun-soo expressed his view on the possibility of Son Heung-min's transfer to Saudi Arabia through his YouTube channel "Li Chun-soo." In a video titled "Why You Should Leave Tottenham, which entered the Champions League, Right Now," Lee Chun-soo said, "People should not criticize. Player life is not a public good."
He explained that he is completely different from the Saudi league he played in the past. "If it were Saudi when I was playing, I would have told you not to go, but now it's only Saudi, but it's actually the European league," he said, adding that the league's level has improved dramatically with the joining of world-class stars including Ronaldo.
Son Heung-min also mentioned that he can adapt without difficulty in harmony with foreign players and that he can continue to appear to domestic fans through his participation in the AFC Champions League.
Up to 70 billion won for a two-year contract, no reason to refuse...
In terms of economics, Lee Chun-soo also presented a realistic perspective. "If it's a Saudi club, I would fully offer Son an annual salary of 35 billion won, and I can offer him 60 billion won to 70 billion won on a two-year basis," Son said. "Now I can follow the money. If you have sacrificed yourself, you should be compensated."
This is in line with the realization that "even if South Korea offers Son 10 billion won, it falls far short of Saudi Arabia's offer." Lee Chun-soo insisted that Son Heung-min, who is in the twilight of his career, should no longer be swayed by domestic public opinion and should respect him to make decisions for his career and life.
A culture that respects players' 'individual choices' is needed... It's not like I gave up my nationality
Lee Chun-soo also expressed regret over the fans' attitude. "When Ronaldo went to Saudi Arabia and Messi went to the U.S., fans in Portugal or Argentina did not criticize him. They have different mindsets of respecting players," he said, criticizing some domestic public opinions.
"He never missed a single match for the national team, and he always devoted himself. We must not forget his efforts and sacrifice," he said. "Why should we criticize him when he is not playing for Saudi Arabia after giving up his nationality? We must respect and support him."
Lee Chun-soo said he wants Son Heung-min to design his career according to his own standards without being swayed by outside eyes, and asked fans to accept the choice with a mature gaze. 메이저놀이터