Seoul: On the eve of his final match for FC Seoul, former England international and Manchester United star Jesse Lingard expressed his satisfaction with his two-year stint with the South Korean club. FC Seoul announced last Friday that they would not be renewing Lingard's contract for the 2026 season. Although the club initially wanted to extend his tenure, they chose to honor Lingard's decision to pursue new opportunities after his impactful time in the K League 1.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lingard's last appearance in South Korea will be on Wednesday against Melbourne City FC in a league stage match of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Reflecting on his period with the club, Lingard said, "For me, it's just been a happy two years, a good two years. I've learned a lot through my team, through my manager Kim Gi-dong. I've become more mature, a lot of responsibility this year being captain. So I can leave South Korea more mature, I believe."
Throughout his time with FC Seoul, Lingard made significant contributions on the field, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in 34 matches this year, following a previous season of six goals and three assists in 26 matches. He also noted the growth and confidence of his South Korean teammates, stating, "I know the Korean guys were very quiet last year, but this year, honestly, they've really opened up."
Lingard shared that he enjoyed engaging with fans and exploring the South Korean capital, though he faced a minor setback in September 2024 when he was fined for riding an e-scooter without a license and helmet. He acknowledged it as a learning experience, saying, "It's normal in Europe to ride (without a license). It's just a learning curve. I learned through that."
As he prepares for his final game with FC Seoul, Lingard anticipates an emotional farewell due to the strong bonds formed with his coaches and teammates. "I've loved every minute of it, the ups, the downs. The last two years have been amazing, and so you might expect some tears tomorrow," he remarked.
Looking ahead, the 32-year-old Lingard mentioned he has no immediate plans post-FC Seoul. "I need a break after a long season. I will spend Christmas with my family," he concluded. "The next chapter, who knows, really. Only God knows."