Ex-Man Utd star Jesse Lingard speaks out after being mocked by opponent in South Korea
Jesse Lingard saw an opponent copy his celebration after scoring a late winner against FC Seoul but the ex-Manchester United man insists he is loving his time in South Korea
Jesse Lingard has been mocked by an opponent as FC Seoul were narrowly beaten - but insists he is "in a happy place".
The former Manchester United man made the surprising choice to move to South Korea in the summer as he sought a new club. His contract with Nottingham Forest had ended and he received several offers, before opting for his move to Asia.
Lingard has become the highest player in the K-League, but is still pocketing a modest salary. On Saturday the ex-England international managed to notch for FC Seoul against Daejeon Hana with the 31-year-old's strike making it 2-2 before producing a traditional dancing celebration.
However, Daejeon scored what proved to be the winner in the 83rd minute, with Kim Hyeon-ug on target - and he then mimicked Lingard's jig.
READ MORE: Jorginho details Arsenal's crucial change after last season's decision led to Rodri swipeREAD MORE: Cesc Fabregas 'facing eviction from luxury Swiss apartment over £30k bills debt'FC Seoul sit fifth in the table but Lingard looks to be more than contest in Asia after a challenging period back in his homeland. He said on social media: "Back on X, Korea is amazing. Enjoying my football and in a happy place".
It hasn't all be plain sailing for the ex-United man, who was previously called out by his former boss Kim Gi-dong, who was in charge at Seoul. Lingard saw his work rate criticised after he came off the bench in their 2-0 win over Jeju United earlier in the season.
"He only played a few minutes, and yet he didn't work hard and avoided tussle," Kim said, as per South Korean newspaper JoongAng Daily. "If you run less than a footballer who has played 90 minutes, you're not even a footballer. Fame doesn't win football games. If it did, I would have brought in a famous retired player."
Lingard previously saw his career enjoying a steady upward trajectory. After loan spells as a youngster he was eventually handed opportunities in Manchester when Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho at the helm. He scored the winner in the FA Cup final back in 2016 - and then notched again in the Carabao Cup final 12 months later.
He fell down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but then showcased his worth during a loan spell at West Ham, where he was hugely prolific. He's been unable to hit those heights since and is also out of the England picture with his last cap coming in 2021.
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