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No way Park Chu-Young could turn Arsenal down, agent admits
The South Korean’s representative has conceded a phone call from Arsene Wenger helped to convince the attacker to snub Lille and make the switch to north London from Monaco
30 Aug 2011 15:24:00
By Shane Farrington
Getty Images
The agent of Park Chu-Young has revealed a personal phone from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger helped to convince the forward to join the Premier League club.
The South Korea international was on the verge of moving from Monaco to French champions Lille before a last-minute offer arrived from the Gunners.
Park’s representative, Maurizio Morana, has admitted the player his client is excited at the prospect of playing for Arsenal, with the club confirming on Tuesday that a deal has been completed.
"We could not imagine what happened. On Friday, Arsenal contacted Monaco to know if an agreement had been found with Lille about a transfer," Morana told France Football.
"As it was not the case, Arsenal started to negotiate, then asked to contact the player.
"Could you imagine how a player from Monaco could refuse such a club?
"As he should come back to his native Korea later in 2013 for military duties, this could be his last contract in Europe.
"When Arsene Wenger directly calls a player and asks him to join Arsenal, it is difficult to refuse."
Park, 26, has been criticised in some quarters for rejecting Lille’s offer, but Morana has denied that his client showed a lack of respect.
He added: "We are sorry for the Lille officials who acted in a very professional way, but I can't agree when I hear Park has no sense of morals.
"There is no link with moral sense or honour, it is only football."
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The South Korea international was on the verge of moving from Monaco to French champions Lille before a last-minute offer arrived from the Gunners.
Park’s representative, Maurizio Morana, has admitted the player his client is excited at the prospect of playing for Arsenal, with the club confirming on Tuesday that a deal has been completed.
"We could not imagine what happened. On Friday, Arsenal contacted Monaco to know if an agreement had been found with Lille about a transfer," Morana told France Football.
"As it was not the case, Arsenal started to negotiate, then asked to contact the player.
"Could you imagine how a player from Monaco could refuse such a club?
"As he should come back to his native Korea later in 2013 for military duties, this could be his last contract in Europe.
"When Arsene Wenger directly calls a player and asks him to join Arsenal, it is difficult to refuse."
Park, 26, has been criticised in some quarters for rejecting Lille’s offer, but Morana has denied that his client showed a lack of respect.
He added: "We are sorry for the Lille officials who acted in a very professional way, but I can't agree when I hear Park has no sense of morals.
"There is no link with moral sense or honour, it is only football."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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