Defiant Cho Gue-sung has insisted he has not regrets over turning down a January move to Celtic - despite head–on criticism from the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors over his fitness levels.
The South Korea international was touted with a move to the Scottish Premiership as interest ramped up following an impressive World Cup campaign, with Celtic searching for a replacement for Giorgos Giakoumakis as he approaching his switch to Atlanta United. With Bundesliga side Mainz and MLS outfit Minnesota United also floated as potential destinations, talks fell apart with the 25-year-old as he opted to remain in the K-League and target a summer move.
Ange Postecoglou would snap up fellow South Korea cap Hyeongyu Oh instead from Suwon Bluewings, with the 21-year-old impressing in his early flashes in the Hoops acting as understudy to Kyogo Furuhashi. Meanwhile, Cho has struggled to carry on his form from Qatar 2022 into the league campaign.
Boss Kim Sang-sik has been critical of the frontman's impact on the team so far this campaign following the draw with Suwon, despite Cho netting his first goal of the campaign from the penalty spot. He said post match: "Cho Gue-sung's body is still heavy. He seems to have some impatience on the ball as well. We hope he will gradually get better."
Following the critique, Cho was asked if he is feeling extra pressure this season as he looks to secure a move in the summer. He attempted to shut down the concern, stating to Korea outlet FootballIist: “I thought that way when I went into winter training. However, after I played the first match I felt that I was wrong to think about it."
Pressed on if he regrets not moving to Europe in January with Celtic among the interest suitors, he said: “I’m not the kind of person who lives with such thoughts.
"I am a person who has been given a good opportunity. If I dare to challenge on the European stage I must run towards that dream. I try to concentrate on each game."
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