Jesse Lingard has joined South Korean side FC Seoul on a two-year deal, becoming the highest-profile foreign player ever signed by a K League club.
The 31-year-old former England, Manchester United and West Ham midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season.
"I've always wanted different challenges and to create new memories in my career, and I believe being in South Korea is the perfect place for that," Lingard said in video released by the club.
FC Seoul, who play at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, are one of the best-supported clubs in the K League and have won the title six times, but not since 2016.
You already knew it but...
— Sorare FC Seoul (@SorareFCSeoul) February 8, 2024
Jesse Lingard to FC Seoul is a done deal!
Let's go Jesse, this is the perfect chance to rebuild and even enhance your legacy.#KLeague pic.twitter.com/NkFvGdW4SO
More than 200 fans were at Incheon airport to greet Lingard when he landed to complete a medical and other formalities earlier this week.
"I have received several offers since last summer," Lingard added at a news conference in the South Korean capital on Thursday.
"Other clubs only made verbal offers. FC Seoul sent a written offer. Club officials showed their sincerity by coming to Manchester to check on my physical condition. At that time, I decided to sign with FC Seoul."
FC Seoul kick off the new K League season away at Gwangju FC on March 2 when Lingard could make his debut.
