Adventurous midfielder Song Jin-hyung has revealed a continuing desire “to play across the world” was the catalyst behind his switch to Sharjah.
Song, 29, signed up with the King last month. This decision to swap Jeju United in his native South Korea for a stint in the Arabian Gulf League has seen him play professional football in a fourth different country, after previous stints at Australia’s Newcastle Jets and France’s Tours FC.
Speaking after Saturday’s dispiriting 3-0 loss at rampant Al Jazira, the three-times-capped Taegeuk Warrior expanded on the wanderlust which has been ever-present during his career.
He said: “I was really interested in the UAE. I am nearly 30-years old now and I am looking to play across the world.
“I like playing in different leagues, that is why I am here now. It is all different, especially the weather. Religion and life are different, but I have to adapt to their life.
“At the moment, I am just adapting.”
A familiar face was present during the chastening loss at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, with countryman Park Jong-woo manning the Pride of Abu Dhabi midfield.
“It is always good to play against Koreans,” Song said. “I was very happy to play against him. We shook hands and talked about life in the UAE.”
Fellow new boys Gelmin Rivas and Jamal Maroof missed a litany of chances as Sharjah fell to a second AGL loss in three games. Song was aware the conversion rate must go up if his new side are to excel.
He said: “We had good chances, in both the first and second halves. But we didn’t score. This result was really disappointing, but we just keep going. If we start scoring goals, we can go up very quickly.”
