Newcastle midfielder Ki Sung-yueng has admitted he is still mulling over the possibility of going into international retirement but insists it will not be before January’s Asian Cup.
The 29-year-old revealed after the 2018 World Cup that he was considering international retirement but was convinced by new coach Paulo Bento to play on.
Ki won his 106th cap over the weekend as South Korea ran out 2-0 winners over Costa Rica but admits he still feels an added burden while carrying out his international duty.
The demands of travelling from England to South Korea during the international breaks are beginning to take their toll on the former Swansea star. And while he is still considering retiring from the national side he won’t do so before January’s Asian Cup, meaning he could be missing from Magpies action for up to a month.
“My mind hasn’t changed,” Ki told Korea Joongang Daily. “And I expressed my thoughts to the new head coach.
“Playing with a foreign club, I do feel pressure travelling to my home country.
“It’s not only about my physical condition. I had doubts whether I can devote myself 100 percent to the national team. I’ve had serious discussions about this with seniors around me.
“Bento first told me to stay with the national team. If the team needs me, I think it’s right for me to play with my teammates until the Asian Cup.”
One factor that could relieve the pressure of representing his country is that he has stepped down from the captaincy.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min has now taken on the role and Ki admitted that come as a relief.
“I actually feel relieved [after giving up the captaincy],” he said.
“I already told the coach that Son is the right man to be the captain. The national team captain needs to be served by a player who can best represent the country. I just need to help him along the way.”
Ki will face Chile with South Korea on Tuesday before returning to Newcastle ahead of Saturday’s clash with Arsenal.
