The long wait was very painful. People around me sent a cold gaze saying, “It’s over now.” For Hwang Eui-jo (31, FC Seoul), striker of the national soccer team, 2022 was a very painful time.스포츠토토
As soon as he joined Nottingham Forest (England) last summer after leaving Bordeaux, which was relegated to the French second division, he transferred to Olympiacos (Greece) on loan. He stayed with 1 assist in 12 games. The 2022 Qatar World Cup also failed to show any significant activity.
Change was desperately needed. Under the rules of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Hwang Eui-jo chose K-League 1 (first division) Seoul, which offered a short-term lease for six months, as the league system could only transfer to other places. Several teams in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) also showed interest, but he returned to the familiar stage. It is because I still have a strong desire to remain in Europe and challenge myself.
Moreover, Seoul is the team that Hwang In-beom (27), a junior member of the national team at Olympiacos, temporarily joined when Rubin Kazan (Russia) was left without a place to play due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is the best environment for revival.
Standing at a crossroads, Hwang Ui-jo faithfully digested Seoul’s winter training held in Kagoshima, Japan earlier this month. He may not have a sense of the game, but his physical strength and condition were close to 100% as he joined Seoul at the height of the European league season. From the practice match, expectations were raised with menacing movements.
Hwang Eui-jo, who attended the ‘2023 K-League Winter Media Camp’ held at the HJ Convention Center in Gangdong-gu, Seoul on the 22nd, was very clear. He “tried to keep pace with his teammates. Seoul aims to play football, a fun and winning game. Every game is difficult, but I want to score as many goals as possible.”
In the background of his confidence, the help of Ahn Ik-soo, Seoul coach, is also great. In 2013, when he made his professional debut as a member of Seongnam Ilhwa (currently Seongnam FC), Hwang Eui-jo formed a priestly relationship with coach Ahn. It is a great weapon that the new player is well aware of the commander’s tendencies and familiar with the tactical philosophy. Hwang Ui-jo also said, “(Director Ahn’s pursuit) build-up soccer must be implemented and continued to develop.”
Thanks to the addition of a large striker, Seoul has emerged as a strong candidate for the top ranks. Coach Ahn said, “(Hwang) Eui-jo, who worked steadily towards a big goal, has now grown into a player who plays an important role not only in football but also in society. He is faithfully preparing to head to a higher place.” Then he ordered ‘one goal per game’.
In response, Hwang Eui-jo said, “I want to score and win in many games. Aim for double-digit goals anywhere. It is the same in Seoul. I want to be of great help to the team and leave good memories, even if it is for a short period of time.”
He added one more thing. He released a list of ‘opponents he wants to win’. Hwang Eui-jo said, “I want to win the game against strong players like Jeonbuk Hyundai and Ulsan Hyundai, as well as Suwon Samsung, my rival in the ‘Super Match’. Our competitiveness is also sufficient,” he said. I want to prepare thoroughly and play a good game with each other.”