|
|
Korean Football Association: Park Chu-Young is a required player for the national team
May 10, 2012 1:30:00 AM
There's been much debate on the Arsenal striker's national team future after his controversial military duty deference so the KFA met to discuss the matter this week
The Korean Football Association (KFA) technical committee has defended Park Chu-Young's decision to defer his compulsory military duty and insisted he remains a required player for the national team.The 26-year-old Arsenal striker, who scored eight goals in five internationals during 2011 for the Taeguk Warriors, created much debate in South Korea following his decision to defer his military service 10 years after obtaining a Monaco residency visa.
The deference enables the former Monaco man to continue his European career, however there has been a public sentiment in Korea that the decision means he doesn't deserve to play for the national team.
Taeguk Warriors coach Choi Kang-Hee had recently said Park's military duty controversy and his lack of game-time at club level, having only made six first-team appearances at Arsenal this term, left him uncertain on the 26-year-old's immediate national team future.
As a result, the KFA technical committee discussed Park's international future ahead of next month's opening final round 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming 2012 London Olympics where he could play as an over-age squad member.
KFA chief technical director Hwangbo Gwan confirmed Park, who was national team skipper after the 2011 Asian Cup and up until Kwak Tae-Hwi's appointment in February, was a required player.
"Everyone agrees that Park is needed in the national team," he told reporters.
He continued: "Park is not trying to skip his military duty. He just wanted to postpone it.
"I think there will be no problem if Park says sorry and repays us with his goals."
Park, who joined Arsenal from Monaco last August, is expected to hold a press conference once the English season concludes to explain the military duty matter.
South Korea's final round 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign begins on June 8 away to Qatar, although they are due to face world champions Spain in a May 30 friendly in Switzerland.
Follow Ben Somerford on 
Follow Goal.com Asia on and 
for the latest in Asian footballing news, features, and analysis
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
-
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
-
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants Isco at Chelsea
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.
