Ki’s mystery move explained

On the day that he helped Sunderland to see off Manchester United for a place in the final of the Capital One Cup some light has been shed on the strange loan transfer of Ki Sung Yueng from Swansea to Wearside.

The former Celtic midfielder seemed the perfect fit for Michael Laudrup’s side last season, showing his versatility by playing at centre-half in the Capital One Cup Final win over Bradford City.

Loan deals between Premiership sides are rare  but Ki’s father has explained why his son had to leave Swansea in an interview in the South Korean media- suggesting strongly that he won’t be working any time soon with Laurdrup!

Ki Senior said: “The contract made by both Ki and Swansea includes a clause that the player will be guaranteed to play the least 20 games as a starter which Ki himself wanted and included.

“The Chelsea game was his 20th game playing as a starter, and this is the game he resulted in heavy injury on his thigh. Ki told Laudrup that he would like to treat his injury in the Korean National Medical Centre as he precisely judged the facilities there are much better than those at the club.

“However, Laudrup mistakenly believed that Ki was trying to make a lame excuse after his 20th game of him being starter so as to slack off as much as he can. That inconsiderate thought of Laudrup led him to him disliking Ki.

“Laudrup later approved Ki of his suggestion and let him go get treated in Korea, and Ki believed Laudrup fully understood what he told him and took it to his heart with gratitude.

“When Ki came back, Laudrup brought in new players at his position and started ignoring him and excluding him from game to game. and this continued for a while.

“Ki realised something was wrong, and he asked Laudrup why he can’t play as a regular starter. Laudrup said to Ki that he isn’t trustworthy as a professional footballer and avoided Ki in any direct conversations.”

With his impressive form for Sunderland and a World Cup appearance looming it’s likely that the former Celtic midfielder will be in demand during the summer transfer window.