‘I used to be a Man Utd and England ace however awoke on his birthday with no membership’
One former Manchester United and England ace celebrated his 33rd birthday on Monday – but he woke up without a club after leaving his previous one last week
It wasn’t the happiest of birthday’s on Monday morning for one former Manchester United and England ace when he woke up.
Jesse Lingard turned 33 on December 15, but he did so without a club after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract at FC Seoul, almost two years since he joined the K League side in February 2024.
“My time in South Korea has been unbelievable – the football, the atmosphere and the passion around this club have been top class,” Lingard wrote on Instagram after he had “conveyed his desire to move on to the next stage of his football career”.
“The love, support and the appreciation you have shown towards me for these last two years has been truly amazing. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club.”
Lingard played his final game last week – turning out for FC Seoul in an AFC Champions League clash against Australian side Melbourne City.
He was tipped for the very top after graduating from United’s academy, but after a series of loan spells he would finally deliver on his promise during the 2017/18 season.
Under new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Lingard become one of the Red Devils’ main protagonists as they finished runners-up in the Premier League to bitter rivals Manchester City.
He was selected for Gareth Southgate’s England squad for that summer’s World Cup, as the Three Lions thrilled during their run to the semi-finals in Russia. Lingard would leave his mark on the tournament with a goal against Panama.
The winger hit a second purple patch for West Ham in 2021 – almost securing a spot in Southgate’s England squad for that summer’s Euros.
He joined Nottingham Forest permanently in 2022, leaving the following season for South Korea.
A statement from FC Seoul said: “He has represented FC Seoul for the past two years, demonstrating a unique presence that not only boosts the team’s performance but also significantly enhances the brand value and prestige of the club.
“He has also created a sensation, becoming a symbol of not only the team but also the entire K League. FC Seoul has been pursuing an extension option for Lingard, allowing him to remain with the club for a longer period.
“However, Lingard has expressed his deep satisfaction with his time at FC Seoul over the past two years and respects the club.
“But believes now is the right time to take on a new challenge and has expressed his desire to embark on the next stage of his football journey.”
