The Suwon Samsung Bluewings midfielder told the Sunday Mercury: "I started playing when I was ten years old and I just enjoyed playing football.

"I did everything needed by myself and was picked up by my local football club. At that time I wasn't interested in adult football, I just enjoyed playing every day.

"I wanted to buy some new football boots and my parents asked me, 'Do you really want to play football games professionally?' and I said, 'Yes I do'. So they took me to a local football club and that is how I started.

"To be honest, my parents didn't expect anything from me, they just wanted me to grow healthy and eat well. All ten-year-old Korean children never think about their future and I was eventually driven to the football way of life.

"I was very impressed with British football, it's very aggressive and it relies on power, energy and activity. Korean footballers give up too easily, if they lose 4-0 or something like they give up but players over here don't do that.

"They never give up, they're trying to chase balls right to the finish and that is something that has always impressed me.

"Rather than one specific figure, like David Beckham, all Korean people, including myself, tend to look up to all British football players because it's one of the biggest leagues in the world. I wanted to be involved with these players and get used to their skills, know-how and things like that. I respect every British footballer."