London, Sep 13 (IANS) Manchester United’s Korean midfielder Park Ji-Sung has urged more Asian players to come and play in Europe.
The 26-year-old Park joined Dutch club PSV Eindhoven after impressing for South Korea at the 2002 FIFA World Cup before moving to Old Trafford in July 2005.
“For me, it’s important for Asian players to come to Europe’s top teams to learn how to play,” Park told the FIFA website.
“Asian football is improving. It will take time to reach European standards.”
Park, who is currently injured, believes that the better infrastructure at European clubs is a major factor in players’ development.
“In England, they play on grass, whereas back home in Korea they play on hard surfaces or artificial turf,” he added.
“Generally, young professionals in the Netherlands and England belong to a club that has great facilities in order for them to develop their talent.
“In Korea they only play for their school and are not part of a club.”
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Asian players should move to a club in Europe if they hope to secure a contract with one of the leading clubs.
“Park came to us from PSV in Holland, so he had already proved himself in a high quality and competitive European league before arriving at United,” commented Ferguson.
“That is what Asian players need to do.”