Evra in awe of ´Korea´s Beckham´

Patrice Evra counts Park Ji-Sung as a close friend but even he has been amazed at the fanatical support the midfielder gets on home turf, calling him “the David Beckham of Korea”.

The France left-back has accompanied Park on some promotional events on the Korean leg of their pre-season tour of Asia and said he was in awe.

“When Ji first arrived in Manchester he never talked and people didn’t know much about him. But when we arrive in Seoul you can see he is the King of Korea,” he told the club website.

“They shake, they cry, they scream when they see him. It’s amazing. He’s like the David Beckham of Korea.

“I’m very happy for him because he’s a really good friend and on the pitch he always gives 100 percent for the team. That’s why people love him.”

Park’s enthusiasm and ability have endeared him to Sir Alex Ferguson with the club to offer him a new contract.

Britain’s Daily Express said it would see Park’s current 30,000 pounds (49,500 dollars) a week deal doubled to 60,000 pounds.

Ferguson, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the welcome the team have received in Asia, saying the support they have in the region never ceases to amaze him.

“I’m still amazed sometimes when we arrive at hotels and there are thousands of fans hanging about. Then they’re in the corridors and in the lifts,” he said.

“You have to admire that love of the club. We experienced it here in Seoul two years ago and it’s just as good this time.

“In fact, it’s typical of the whole Far East — we have a terrific fan base and there’s a great fanaticism here.”

United play FC Seoul later Friday before heading to China to take on Hangzhou Greentown on Sunday.