Ki Sung Yong has long dreamed of playing in the World Cup and the Champions League and he insists that he'll be doing his utmost to make both dreams come true within the next twelve months. Ki will be in Scotland to undergo a medical and conclude the transfer and he'll watch his first live SPL match on Saturday when Celtic host St Mirren at Celtic Park. The 20 year-old insists that Celtic MUST win the title this season.
"The Champions League is a huge attraction for me." he told the Scottish Sun. "That's where players want to be. I know I'm young and might have to wait for my chance, that's fine. But I'm excited to get started, I want to play my part. I want to help Celtic get back into the Champions League. I know they missed out this year. For a club like that not to be playing at the highest level isn't right."
"I've got so much to look forward to next year." he continued. "The World Cup is coming up and that's a huge thrill for me, but I've got six months at Celtic first of all. Winning the league would be the perfect gift to the Celtic fans. We HAVE to be champions."
The press in his homeland have nicknamed the highly rated youngster 'the Korean Gerrard' or 'Kirrard' but despite the praise he's received recently whilst playing for club and country he was still surprised to be named the Asian Young Footballer of the Year. "I didn't expect the award at all." he said. "It came as a complete surprise for me. It's a huge honour though, probably the highlight of my career so far. There are so many talented players in Asia so to be named as the Young Player of the Year was special. It was a wonderful evening and the perfect present before I come to Scotland."
Sung Yong insists that he's been watching Celtic on TV for years and that he knows all the players at the club. He took the opportunity to meet up with Scott McDonald during the recent friendly between South Korea and Australia. "I met Scott when Australia were playing us." he said. "At that point he knew I was signing so he took the time out to wish me all the best. We chatted for a while about the club and what to expect from it. It was really nice of him. I think he's a really good striker and I'm looking forward to playing with him."
"I know all the players at Celtic." said Ki "I'm not kidding when I say I follow them. There's a lot of quality at Celtic so I know it will be hard for me. I think that's a good thing though, you want to play with great players around you."