Jong Tae Se dreams of a United Korea football team
North Korea national footballer Jong Tae Se, nicknamed “the People’s Rooney”, expressed his dream of playing for a United Korea team with Park Ji Sung in an interview with Tuoi Tre Wednesday.
Football fans all over the world and in Vietnam were moved seeing you weep while singing the national anthem in the match against Brazil in World Cup 2010. Will that moment last for the rest of your life?
I was born and grew up in Japan, but I’m so proud of being able to play for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s national football squad. When the anthem was sung at World Cup, I thought about my nation and its people, and I was moved to tears by my pride for them. I will never forget that very moment.
You are one amongst the very rare DPRK players that are playing abroad. Does this make you proud?
Yes, I have a different life to those who play in North Korea. I think there are a lot of other players who are qualified to play abroad, but they just have little chance to do so. If there are more DPRK players in the international clubs, our national squad will be strengthened. I do sympathize with the difficulties domestic players and my people are suffering.
How is your life in Germany?
Greatly comfortable! My fellows and many others love me very much. I sometimes invite my fellows home for dinner.
Most of the DPRK players in the international teams do not usually talk much. Why are you so relaxing when dealing with the media?
It’s because the reporters keep on asking them about politics. My fellows cannot talk or discuss that matter. But I can because I can say what I think and I have nothing to fear. But I always acknowledge that my words are valuable to my nation and people, so what I say is always encouraging and sympathetic.
Park Ji Sung – a South Korean player – has invited you – a North Korean – to play in his charitable match. How is it meaningful to you?
This charitable game was set to bring good things to the Vietnamese children. In order words, it was a match of peace and friendship. So I was pleased to accept Park’s invitation.
Do you think of the day when you and Park Ji Sung would play for one same squad?
That’s my dream. And I think many other South and North Koreans also share this dream with me.
You were warmly welcomed by thousands of fans when you arrived in Vietnam. Does it impress you?
Yes, this is my first visit to Vietnam. I’ve heard many good stories about your beautiful country. Once arriving here, I know more about your passion for football. Some of the fans and reporters have recognized me. What a special feeling.
Jong Tae Se was born on March 2, 1984 in Japan. His first played for the DPRK national football squad in the match against Mongolia on June 19, 2007.
Jong Tae Se is playing for Bochum in the Germany 2nd league.
fonte: http://newspaper-vietblues.blogspot.com/2011/06/jong-tae-se-dreams-of-united-korea.html
Che bello… questo è il genere di calcio che fa bene seguire, e Jong ha ragionissima quando dice dei giornalisti e dei calciatori Dprk, giustamente se ne stanno zitti sapendo che qualsiasi cosa dicano vien presa dai siti-blogger sudcoreani anti-dprk.. (se stanno poi così tanto male, perchè nessuno è mai fuggito durante una partita allora? gli unici casi del genere riguardano la nazionale cubana (un giocatore sparito anche quest'anno durante la Gold Cup) ma ogni volta i calciatori sottolineano come dietro ci sia semplicemente un sofferto desiderio di giocare in un campionato più importante di quello cubano (dove è il baseball ad essere seguito) e non a motivazioni politiche.)