Cho Gue-sung admits that he was upset not to join Celtic in January but has no regrets over not making the move to Europe.
Two goals against Ghana for South Korea at the World Cup Finals pushed the striker into the limelight but Celtic’s interest was known before he caught the eye in Qatar.
Park Ji-Sung was reported to be based in London to deal with negotiations for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors but the message from the player seemed to be that a January transfer was more risky that switching continent in summer and getting a pre-season in at his new club.
Celtic’s need to replace Giorgos Giakoumakis switched to Oh Hyeon-gyu with both parties pleased with the way that move has worked out.
The two strikers were together last week on international duty with Cho speaking openly about the events of January and his future prospects of a move to Europe.
Speaking to The Sun he said:
I have known Oh Hyeon-gyu would be a good player for a long time and you can see he’s really starting to show it now. He did really well when he came on and was unlucky to see a goal ruled out.
There is a lot of competition for a place in the national team. It’s up to me to show the manager I deserve to play.
When my move to Celtic didn’t happen, honestly I was upset but I have no regrets about not going to Europe right away. I still think I have a lot to learn as a striker. I am convinced I will get another opportunity someday.
My ambition last year was to go to Europe, but now it has changed. I have to focus on training and work hard. I ask myself the question, if I don’t get to go to a club in Europe will I regret it for the rest of my career? And the answer is no.
With Oh looking to compliment and compete with Kyogo for the striker role at Celtic it is far from certain that Postecoglou will follow up his January interest in Cho.