Ferdinand in awe of “selfless” teammate

Defender will miss Ji-Sung Park

By Zain Alvi | 10th July 2012

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has paid a glowing tribute to outgoing winger Ji-Sung Park, explaining that the Red Devils will truly miss the new QPR signing.

Ferdinand has played alongside Park during one of United’s most successful eras in recent years and in addition to the South Korea international’s demeanor as a “selfless” teammate, Rio believes that his upbeat attitude was a major asset for the club too.

“Ji’s a fantastic player and a real players’ player. He’s been greatly appreciated by the other lads and the fans of our club over the years. He’s been a great servant and never been any trouble,” Ferdinand told ManUtd.com.

The 33-year old added: “He’s just a real selfless player who has always played for his team-mates and he was part of a very successful period for the club.

“I’m sad to see him go because he’s a really good lad as well – after three or four years he really came out of his shell and was one of the lads, making a lot of jokes. As I said I’m sad to see him go as he’s a really nice guy.”

While Ferdinand has been appreciative of the contributions of the 31-year old Park ever since the midfielder arrived from PSV in 2005, the defender has singled out one particular night that was particularly memorable.

“He’s always been great for us and one his greatest nights was probably against AC Milan when he did an unbelievable manmarking job on Pirlo. Everyone was talking about how well he played in the dressing room afterwards and how he nullified the threat of Pirlo,” Rio reminisced.

Park’s departure from Old Trafford was preceded by the midfield signings of former Borussia Dortmund starlet Shinji Kagawa and 18-year old prodigy Nick Powell from Crewe Alexandra.