Jesse Lingard opens life in South Korea after Manchester United exit

Jesse Lingard may be 5500 miles in South Korea, but he still has a strong love for Manchester United.

The 32 -year -old, who is now playing with FC Seoul in the K., was caught in the defeat of United in the European League in Tottenham Hotspur last week, despite the start of four in the morning in Seoul.

“I had to watch the final. My love and support will always be with United,” Lingard told BBC Sport. “I still watch their games or the most prominent points.”

Even from this distance, Lingard says that United’s identity is still unchanged, even during difficult periods.

“They will always be one of the largest clubs in the world, and supporters will support them through thick and gentle. It may be a long -term project with Robin Amorim. He knows what he wants to do.”

However, he also realizes the difficulties that United faces when outside the Champions League, admitting that the loss of Europe makes attracting players much more difficult.

Sever sailing

Lingard’s transfer to South Korea was a big step for the midfielder. While his family visited Seoul, daily communication depends on FaceTime.

“It is difficult because you want to be there in real life,” he said.

Jesse Lingard says he had “had no choice” when he joined Nottingham Forest, when there was an option to go to West Ham 🗣💬 pic.twitter.com/sxbuxv7k6s

Today’s match (BBCMOTD) May 30, 2025

“But what is good is that my daughter understands what I do and why she is always in Nintendo, she plays with FC Seoul and scoring goals like me.”

Leaving Manchester United was emotional for Bingard, who spent 22 years in Old Trafford before joining Nutingham Forest in 2022. This step, he says now, did not feel completely in his control.

“I had no choice in the first place,” says Lingard.

“I knew what I wanted to do. I knew what West Ham did and was a forest. There was a place I preferred to go to, but I didn’t feel that I could express my opinion.

“Now I see people did not have my best interest in the heart. But it is clear that West Ham did not happen. I went to the forest.”

After a campaign of injuries in Forest, Lingard moved to Seoul to find each new start and peace of mind. The arthropod surgery was initially slowed, but he has since made his steps, played 40 games and scored 10 goals.

He added: “I run between 10-12 km from each game, as the high-speed shock is always high.”

“I was free of injuries throughout the season, took care of my body, and I recover better, and eat properly. In England, I had a chef and my coach with me. Here, it’s completely different, I should do it on my own.”

Lingard contract with FC Seoul expires in November, although the club has an option to extend it for another year.