Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard joins South Korea's FC Seoul

Jesse Lingard (31), the ex-Manchester United and England midfielder, expressed his desire to "relish the joy of playing football once more" following his recent signing with FC Seoul in South Korea.

The Englishman has been without a club since his departure from Nottingham Forest at the conclusion of his contract last summer.

After spending 22 years at United, Lingard left Old Trafford in 2022 and expressed his excitement about joining Seoul as a new challenge.

During a press conference, he stated, "This marks a fresh start for me, a new phase in my career." Lingard was warmly welcomed by fans at the airport.

His main goal is to relish playing football once again, bringing joy to people's faces, and showcasing his abilities to the Korean supporters.

Lingard mentioned that he had received "several offers," although they were all informal. He ultimately chose Seoul because they demonstrated a genuine commitment to signing him.

While at Forest, Lingard only made 20 appearances across all competitions and was featured in just four matches in 2023.

He revealed that it took "two or three days" to negotiate the deal with Seoul.

Although the club did not disclose the duration of his contract, reports suggest that it spans two years.

Lingard expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating, "Everyone involved is pleased with the deal, and now that I have finally signed, I can focus on my football."

He eagerly anticipates returning to the pitch and resuming his playing career.

Seoul, who ranked seventh in the 12-team table last season, announced the signing of a player who holds the highest name recognition in the 41-year history of the K-League.

Lingard, who scored the winning goal for Manchester United in the 2016 FA Cup final, faced challenges in securing a regular spot in the team.

However, he showcased his talent during a loan stint at West Ham in the latter half of the 2020/21 season. Unfortunately, upon his return to United, he found himself on the fringes once again.

Last year, Lingard opened up about his struggles with mental health, revealing that he turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism due to the difficulties he faced in his United career and his mother's battles with depression.

With six goals in 32 appearances for England and a place in the 2018 World Cup squad, Lingard brings international experience to Seoul.

In preparation for the upcoming K-League season, which commences on March 1st, Lingard will join Seoul's training camp in Japan.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Lingard stated, "I've come here to embrace the culture, learn new things, and contribute to making the K-League even more globally recognized. While I have personal goals, my focus is on the team, and I'm eager to contribute to their success."