LONDON:
Park Ji-Sung has revealed that frog juice is the secret behind the lung-bursting energy that makes the South Korean a key part of Manchester United’s bid to beat Barcelona in the Champions League final tomorrow.
Park’s high-octane style will be an essential ingredient in Sir Alex Ferguson’s recipe for success against the Spanish champions at Wembley, but it is a much more unlikely concoction that laid the foundations for the midfielder’s rise to prominence.
“My father went to catch wild frogs,” said Park. “I was skinny and weak and my father heard their juice would give me size and strength. It tasted very, very bad but I had to drink it because I wanted to be a footballer and everyone said I needed to be bigger and stronger.”
United banish 2009 talk ahead of final
Two years ago, Ferguson’s side arrived in Rome brimming with confidence, ready to justify their status as the bookies’ favourites by becoming the first side to clinch back-to-back titles.
Ninety minutes and one passing master-class later, and United were left dazed and confused after a dizzying evening on Barcelona’s famous midfield ‘carousel’ as the Catalans wrapped up a 2-0 win.
“It doesn’t matter about 2009 to be honest,” said Michael Carrick. “It’s a different game now. It’s a one-off. We’ll play to our strengths and try and win the game.”
No regrets for van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar admits he had fleeting second thoughts about retirement but remains firmly focused on ending his career with victory.
The 40-year-old Dutchman will bring the curtain down on more than two decades of goal-keeping excellence tomorrow, where he will be attempting to become the oldest ever winner of the Champions League.
“Everybody wants to try to be a professional football player,” said van der Sar.
“Not many people reach it so when you come to that level and are able to play for such a long time, to finish your career like this is
magnificent.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2011.
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