National midfielder Lee Jae-sung (31-Mainz) has expressed his delight at the Taegeuk Warriors’ move to the big clubs. “It’s good for Korean soccer,” he said, referring to the recent arrivals of Lee Kang-in (22-Paris Saint-Germain) and Kim Min-jae (27-Bayern Munich) to prestigious teams. I’m so proud,” he smiled.
Lee departed for Germany on the morning of the 19th through Incheon Airport. He was selected as a member of the ‘Clean Sweep’ last month and will be traveling to Germany again to prepare for the 2023-24 season.
“I’m always looking forward to the new season,” said Lee, who will be playing his sixth season in Germany, “and I will prepare well with the goal of playing every game.”
Last month, Mainz announced the signing of Lee to a new three-year contract through 2026. After moving to Holstein Kiel (2. Bundesliga) in 2018, Lee donned the Mainz jersey in 2021 and will remain with the club for another three years.
“The club has recognized my value and I want to achieve more success with Mainz,” said Lee.
The prospect of playing against defender Kim Min-jae, who signed a five-year contract with Bayern Munich on the same day, is interesting for Lee.
“I’m personally looking forward to meeting him as an opponent after always playing with the same team,” he said, “I will prepare well and give him joy and happiness.”
The following is a one-on-one interview with Lee Jae-sung.
-How are you feeling about your departure? This is my sixth season in Germany. I’m always excited for the new season. I’m looking forward to what’s to come. I’ll do my best this season, just like I’ve always done.
-You recently re-signed with Mainz, tell us about that. Mainz recognized my value. I signed a new contract because I feel that they love me. I want to achieve more success with Mainz and I’m grateful to be able to continue playing in Europe.
-What does it mean to be loved in Mainz? The local fans in Germany always chant my name loudly. It makes me feel very loved to hear my name so loudly.
-What was Svensson’s reaction to the re-signing process? Even before I signed, he told me when he was going to sign me. When I was with him, I felt loved, and I’m always grateful for that. My teammates congratulated me as well. I want to build good things with my teammates. 메이저놀이터
-On Kim Min-jae’s transfer to Bayern Munich. ▶I told (Kim) congratulations. I’m happy to see her in the Bundesliga, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together after always playing on the same team and now as enemies. I will bring joy and happiness to many people.
-What advice would you give to a senior in the Bundesliga? The Bundesliga is a league that is tactically ahead of global trends. Minjae needs to prepare well as a team. Working as a team is the first priority.
-You’ve played a lot in Germany, do you have any advice for Minjae? I don’t have any advice for Minjae because he has already played in Turkiye and Italy. He’s a very good player, a world-class player, so I think he’ll do well.
-You moved to Mainz from Holstein Kiel, what are your plans for the future?