Ex Arsenal and South Korean Footballer Park Chu-Young Retires at 39

Former Arsenal forward Park Chu-Young has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39.

The South Korean striker, who has the distinction of being the only Korean player to have ever played for Arsenal, has ended his career, which spanned almost two decades.

Park Chu-Young began his professional journey with FC Seoul in 2005, where he made an immediate impact by scoring 18 goals in his first season. His outstanding performances attracted European interest, leading to his transfer to AS Monaco in 2008. During his tenure at Monaco, Park netted 25 goals in 91 appearances.

In 2011, Park signed with Arsenal for £5.85 million. Despite limited playtime, scoring only one goal in six appearances, his influence extended through loan spells at Celta Vigo and Watford, as well as a stint with Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia.

Returning to South Korea, Park concluded his career at FC Seoul and Ulsan Hyundai, where he continued to be a significant goal scorer. He accumulated more than 190 appearances in the K League and 68 caps for the South Korean national team, scoring 24 goals.

Park Chu-Young retires as one of South Korea's most decorated footballers, having secured an Olympic bronze medal and various domestic honors