Manchester United midfielder Ji-sung Park accepts he is a trailblazer for all Asian footballers. "I am quite famous in my country," admitted Park.

"Asian players want to play in Europe and I play for Manchester United, which is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It means they want to be like me.

"I have to try and do well and prove myself on the pitch so that other Asian players believe they can play for big clubs in Europe too."

Park is among a trio of Koreans currently plying their trade in England's top flight.

Kim Do-Heon and Seol Ki-Hyeon are popular figures at West Brom and Fulham and regularly chat with Park, even if the sheer geographical spread of the compatriots means opportunities to meet up in person are rare.

"I want to meet the other Korean players for lunch or dinner but it is quite a long way to West Bromwich and London from Manchester," said Park.

"But we speak on the phone quite often, so that helps."