Park Hopes To Sign Soon

Manchester United's South Korean ace Park Ji-sung hopes to sign his contract extension soon.

After struggling to make an impact during his early years following his move from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, the midfielder has emerged as a key figure in recent seasons at Old Trafford.

Last term he scored the winner against Arsenal, while he was then on target with United's crucial second in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea in April.

So far this pre-season, the South Korean, who has been offered a two-year contract extension, has scored in three of United's four games on their tour of North America.

He is delighted to have proved his worth for the Red Devils and hopes to sign his contract extension soon.

"It's on the table now so maybe, hopefully (we can) get it done quickly," he told Sky Sports News.

"I keep saying I want to stay at Manchester United for more years.

"Hopefully one day we will get together and sort it out."

Some believed his move to the Red Devils in 2005 was a cynical marketing move, designed to sell shirts in the Far East, and Park is delighted to have proved the doubters wrong.

He added: "At first, some said I was selling T-shirts. It didn't hurt. It was my first year and maybe they thought an Asian player could not perform in European football.

"I proved it was the wrong thing to think and I am delighted with that.

"I have proved I can play in European football."

Other Premier League teams are starting to look at South Korea as a recruiting ground, with Bolton having made a home for Chung Yong-lee while Sunderland signed Won Ji-dong.

Park believes there are other compatriots who have the capability to follow his lead.

"More Korean players will come here," he said.

"There are Korean players who have the talent to play in Europe. Hopefully they can come over to play and show how much Asian football has improved."