Kim Bo-Kyung: Cardiff City was my first choice

29/07/2012 1:51:00 PM

The young South Korean was linked with Celtic and Dortmund but said the Championship club were his preferred choice, while adding he admires Park Ji-Sung and David Silva

New Cardiff City signing Kim Bo-Kyung says the Championship was his preferred choice despite reported interest from Celtic and Borussia Dortmund.

The 22-year-old South Korean attacking midfielder agreed to join the Bluebirds on a three-year deal on Friday.

Kim spoke to Cardiff City Player and revealed he always wanted to join the Championship club after speculation over his move from Cerezo Osaka over the past month.

"Cardiff City was always my preferred choice, despite interest from other clubs. I think the tactics and the vision here will suit me and that is why I wanted to come to the club," Kim said.

"I enjoy playing with confidence; when I'm confident I score goals and I hope to score a lot of goals here at Cardiff City. I still have a lot to learn, but feel I can offer my technique and passing ability to the team.

"Playing in the Championship will be very different to the J-League. I will learn a lot from playing in such a division but also feel I can use what I've learned from Japan and bring that to the team too."

Kim also said he was an admirer of compatriot Park Ji-Sung and David Silva.

"I admire Park Ji-Sung who has been my teacher and role-model as a young South Korean footballer," he said.

"I know he has said some nice things about me and my potential; I don't know if I'll become as good a player as he says he thinks I could, but I will certainly try my very best to meet expectations.

"I'm also a fan of David Silva of Manchester City and enjoy his style of play."

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay said he was excited about the Korea international's arrival.

"We're delighted to have completed the deal to bring Bo-Kyung to Cardiff City - I'm sure he's going to be an excellent acquisition," Mackay said.

"He is comfortable playing anywhere across the midfield and can score goals. We look forward to welcoming him into our training setup after his involvement in the Olympics."

Mackay also revealed Kim's debut could be delayed as he needs to fly home to obtain a work permit after the Olympics.

“Kim doesn’t automatically get a work permit, but we are dealing with that in the right way,” Mackay told Wales Online. “He must be out of the country when an application goes in, which is why he will go home after the Olympics.”

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