Park declines South Korea invitation

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung has declined an invitation to be part of South Korea’s 2012 London Olympics squad.

The 31-year-old, who retired from the Korean national team after the 2011 Asian Cup, had been offered the chance to be one of the Olympic team’s three over-age players in London.

However, Park told Nemzeti Sport that his international career was over and he preferred to focus on club duties, including helping Manchester United clinch this season’s Premier League title.

“I was called but I had to say no. I know how it is like at the Olympics because I was involved in Sydney,” Park said.

“I have also played in three World Cup finals and my best memory was the tournament in Japan and South Korea in 2002. Few could have thought that we could get to the semi-finals.

“I have 100 caps, but this period of my life is over for me. I want to concentrate on my club from now on.

“This is my seventh year at Old Trafford. I won four titles but I want to win the Premier League this year more than ever.”

Korea secured their place at the 2012 London Olympics after finishing top of Group A through Asian qualifying.