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Lee Chung-yong, who was at the crossroads of ‘leave or stay’, was the special leader in the championship finale… Happy ending this year too

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photos | Korea Professional Football League

photos | Korea Professional Football League

(Sports Seoul | Reporter Kim Yong-il) He was the special leader of the ‘winning finale’ this season as well. This is ‘Blue Dragon’ Lee Cheong-yong (36, Ulsan HD).

Lee Chung-yong, who returned to the K-League through Ulsan after 11 years in the European league in 2020, showed off an extraordinary class of performance befitting his nickname ‘football expert’.

In particular, as the ‘captain’ of Ulsan in 2022 under coach Hong Myung-bo, he set an example both on and off the field, giving the team the regular league championship trophy for the first time in 17 years. He even received the league’s Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) that year. Last year, even though he handed over the captaincy to his junior, he served as a spiritual supporter. He helped Ulsan achieve its second consecutive victory for the first time in history.

Then, I had a messy time at the beginning of this year. Lee Chung-yong, who is in his twilight years as a player, serves as a bridge between the players, coaches, and club more than anyone else. Naturally, we take the lead in bridging differences of opinion and speaking up. As a result, misunderstandings also occur. Ahead of this year’s challenge of three consecutive wins, which is called ‘dynasty qualifications’, Lee Chung-yong had a conflict while talking with the coaching staff and the club about the future. There was also talk that he was leaving Ulsan without completing the contract period.

However, Lee Cheong-yong joined hands again with coach Hong and the coaching staff at the time through sincere communication. The club also viewed the active leadership of Lee Chung-yong, now in his fifth year as Ulsan, positively. Coach Kim Pang-gon, who took over the baton after Coach Hong left to become the head coach of the A national team last summer, also acknowledged his value. He fully trusted Lee Chung-yong and used him as a stepping stone for the team to be reborn. As if responding, he encouraged his teammates and tried to help Ulsan maintain the original team spirit. On the ground, he demonstrated a perfect performance by assisting Joo Min-gyu’s ‘winning goal’ in the 36th round home game against Gangwon FC on the 1st. Ulsan achieved its third consecutive loss.

After a confusing time, we have once again reached a ‘happy ending to the season’. Lee Chung-yong’s contract with Ulsan ends at the end of this year. Although he is in his mid-thirties, he still has the will to extend his active career. Director Kim is also looking at Lee Chung-yong’s use from various angles. It remains to be seen whether they will remain as a true Blue Dragon as they join hands again with the Blue Tiger Corps Ulsan. kyi0486@sportsseoul.com

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