After 76 matches, football defender Cha Du-ri bids teary farewell to int'l football

By Yoo Jee-ho

SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korean footballer Cha Du-ri bid a teary farewell to international football on Tuesday, wrapping up a 14-year career that included appearances at two FIFA World Cups.

Cha, 34, played in his 76th and final match for South Korea against New Zealand at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The right fullback served as the team captain and stayed on for 42 minutes before leaving the field to a rousing standing ovation from thousands of fans. New Zealand players also applauded Cha on his way to the bench.

Cha's teammates consistently looked for him on the right wing, hoping Cha would set up a goal or score one himself in his international swan song. South Korea ended the first half without a goal, however, and midfielder Son Heung-min had his penalty stopped by Stefan Marinovic in the 38th minute.

At his retirement ceremony held during halftime, Cha received a commemorative plaque and a pair of gold spikes. Standing in the middle of the field, Cha became visibly emotional after watching a special video produced in tribute to his career.

"I've received way more love and support than I deserve, and I am grateful for that," Cha said, choking back tears. "I might not have been a great player, but I always tried my best. My fans recognized that, and I am leaving international play a happy man."

The ceremony became even more poignant when Cha's father, a South Korean football great Cha Bum-kun, came on to the pitch to present his son with flowers. The junior Cha embraced his father and cried on his shoulder, as the cheers grew louder.

Cha Bum-kun is widely considered one of the country's finest football players ever, having enjoyed a memorable Bundesliga career in the 1980s. He also had successful stints as head coach in South Korean club football. Cha Du-ri has often said it was difficult to leave his father's shadow.

He'd planned on retiring after the Asian cup in January in Australia, but head coach Uli Stielike called him up one last time for Tuesday's match, saying "the legend" deserved a chance to bid farewell to fans at home. Stielike also said he'd prefer to have Cha play before the retirement ceremony, rather than have him watch the team from the stands, because Cha is still active in club football with FC Seoul in the K League Classic.

Cha, a forward-turned-defender, made his international debut in 2001 as a collegiate player. He represented South Korea at FIFA World Cups in 2002 and 2010 and reached the knockout stage at both tournaments.

As South Korea's oldest player at the Asian Cup in January, Cha enjoyed a strong tournament on both ends, setting up goals with speed and sharp passes on offense, while foiling opponents' scoring opportunities with physical play on defense.

jeeho@yna.co.kr
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