Ahn Jung-hwan

Ahn Jung- hwan ( born January 27, 1976 in Paju, Gyeonggi- do, South Korea ) is a former South Korean football player. He has held the position of striker and ended in January 2012 his career.

Career development

Ahn began his professional career in the South Korean professional league K- League, where he at the Daewoo Royals (now Busan I'Park ) signed his first contract in 1998.

He made world headlines when he scored in the second round of the 2002 World Cup golden goal against Italy and South Korea paved the way into the quarter-finals.

At this time he was standing by the Seria -A club Perugia under contract and infuriated by his headed goal against the then three -time world champions Italy his club president Luciano Gaucci so much that this was quoted in the Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport as follows: " I will not content of a player's pay, who has ruined Italian football. " Although of pages of Perugia, this statement was later withdrawn, the subject of Italy was the end of it for Ahn.

After the 2002 World Cup in their own country trying to find a new club Ahn Jung- hwan within Europe. But all efforts failed because of Perugia 'redemption requests, so that he returned to Asia, where he wrote in Japan at Shimizu S-Pulse. Only a season later, Ahn moved to league rivals Yokohama Marinos F. Although indulged him in Japan the reputation of being injury-prone, he scored 30 goals in 72 J- League games.

In the summer of 2005 Ahn managed to return to Europe by hiring the French first division club FC Metz. On 24 January 2006, the MSV Duisburg Ahn's announced commitment. Although he was still the desire player of the then coach Jürgen Kohler, Ahn did not really kick in the team, so his contract was terminated by the MSV Duisburg with immediate effect on 31 August 2006. Ahn had signed a contract with Suwon Samsung Bluewings and played back in the home.

In the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the selection of South Korea was eliminated after the group stage. Ahn had scored in three games as a substitute score a goal.

In January 2012, Ahn announced end of his career.

Achievements

Miscellaneous

Ahn of South Korea is regarded as David Beckham. He is married to the former "Miss Korea " Lee Hye -won. Their daughter was born in April 2004. Part-time Ahn has worked as a photo model. He is considered as a swarm of many young, female soccer fans and is celebrated in his homeland as a pop star. As he kisses his wedding ring after every goal he has the nickname " Lord of the Rings ".