As a player, Park Ji-Sung was adored by Manchester United fans for his tireless work ethic and quality on the wing.
Now, one of the most decorated players in the history of Asian football is making his first tentative steps into the world of coaching. Last season saw Park, now aged 41, undertake coaching sessions with another of his former clubs Queens Park Rangers.
He spent a season at QPR towards the end of his playing career and last winter he returned to the London club to coach the club's under-16s during a placement designed at aiding his practical skills as he bids to complete his B Licence course. Speaking at the time, Park said of the experience: "Having played for QPR I am really interested to see how they develop their younger players. I have learnt lots from the players as well as the coaches.
"I have been surprised at how enthusiastic Chris (Ramsey) is towards football and particularly towards the youth levels. It is not normal to see someone who is involved with the first team, like Chris is, so involved with the whole youth system. It has been really impressive to see. You can see his philosophy which is brilliant. It all takes time but when the process is doing well, the club benefit long-term from it. I have learnt a lot of things from him.
"Chris has lots of experience and I see how he listens to people. He listens to opinions and then makes his own decision based on the best way he can influence players. That is why he has such a good reputation as a coach. It has surprised me how much I have learnt. It is not just about your skill or ability, it is about your mentality too.
"People might think being a coach is quite similar to being a player. For me, I have realised it is totally different. It is not just about tactics, it is everything – leadership, communication, how you can influence every single player. When I look at Asia or South Korea, administration needs improving compared to Europe and I will look that way."
Whilst Park's stint with Rangers was very much a temporary arrangement, it shows his eagerness to become involved in the other side of English football after nine years here as a player, seven of which were spent at United as he won four Premier League titles and the Champions League.
His willingness to learn the ropes in the coaching side of the game and his love for United may well, perhaps in a few years, open up the door for an eventual return to Old Trafford. New United boss Erik ten Hag made a point of bringing Steve McClaren with him upon his appointment as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permanent successor.
That was not just because of McClaren's previous working relationship with ten Hag - the pair worked together at FC Twente. It was also because McClaren knows all about United having spent two years as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson.
With the likes of Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher having gone on to become prominent figures in the background at United following successful careers, it is a well-trodden path that Park may well be on the way to pursuing.
