Lee Young-pyo has defended Arsenal striker Park Chu-young for evading his mandatory military service for South Korea.

The 26-year old has been criticised by fans and media for deferring his obligatory service courtesy of obtaining a 10-year residency visa in Monaco.

Some people feel that Park is taking an easy way out but former Tottenham and Taeguk Warriors defender Lee, currently with MLS outfit Vancouver Whitecaps, says the Gunners man is in his rights to avoid his duties for now.

"It is not like he is totally evading," Lee told The Korea Times. "This is not about right or wrong.

"There is nothing Chu-young can do for the country if he goes to serve immediately. He can do more for his country as a footballer.

"Those who are criticising should think for a moment. If they could lay the same blame on their younger brother who made the same decision, then they can go ahead. But if not, they shouldn't."

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