Former Celtic target Cho Gue-sung insists he WILL leave Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the summer as he left the door open for a move to the Scottish champions.
And the South Korea international stood by his agent's claims that it was concerns over his fitness that led him to remain in the K-League rather than capitalise on his World Cup success and move to European football in the winter window. The 28-year-old's stock rapidly shot up around the globe after an impressive showing in Qatar, netting two goals as he helped his side reach the last 16 of the tournament.
And despite interest from Ange Postecoglou's side as well as Bundesliga outfit Mainz Gue-sung decided he would remain in Korea to work on his fitness and hold out for a move in the summer. Asked about when he will leave Jeonbuk by Korean outlet MBN, he said: “After resting for a while, I am now in a state where I have pulled up my body and I have to hit 100 per cent right away.
"If I go in this state now, how competitive will I be?” Gue-sung had been viewed as a potential replacement for Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, who is nearing a move to Atlanta United. However, Celtic moved to sign his Korea teammate Hyeongyu Oh before deadline day to bolster their attacking options.
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