Park Ji-sung's National Team Retirement (2011)
Original Korean title
박지성 국가대표 은퇴 (2011)
Park Ji-sung's National Team Retirement marks the moment he stepped away from Korea's national football team after the 2011 Asian Cup semifinal.
Originated around 2011Last updated: August 4, 2026
What does it mean?
Park Ji-sung earned his 100th national team cap in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup semifinal against Japan, then announced his retirement from the national team, which he had represented for 11 years, at an official press conference on January 31, after the tournament ended. He and Lee Young-pyo retired around the same time, marking the end of an era. He later named not stepping up as a penalty kicker in that match, due to a trauma from past shootouts, as his biggest regret, saying he left the burden to his younger teammates.
Where did it start?
Park Ji-sung's announcement of his national team retirement after the conclusion of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
How is it used?
Frequently cited as the retirement story of a Korean football legend.
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