Born on this day in 1989, was Korean Midfielder Ki Sung Yueng. Known for his exquisite passing and experience- despite his then young age… the Gwangju born creative star proved invaluable in Sunderland’s famous 2014 Capital One Cup run – as well as keeping them afloat in a division they fought so hard to remain in.
In 2001, Ki went to Brisbane, in order to study under Jeff Hopkins within the ‘Brain Soccer Program.’ His father saw this as a brilliant way to combine both his academic and athletic pursuits, alongside the opportunity to develop his English – a skill that would later prove invaluable.
Before returning to Korea, prior to his graduation in 2006, he had received numerous offers from clubs such as FC Seoul – the club he went on to join in 2006.
It was during the ’08 season, Ki reinforced his position as a key player of Fc Seoul, contributing outstandingly, and even scored against their rivals in the 92nd minute against ‘Suwon Samsung Bluewings’. He led the team to unprecedented K League runners-up – with a promising 4 goals in 21 appearances.
It was on the 25th of August 2009, that rumours arose surrounding a potential transfer to Celtic, and despite the midfielder’s agent suggesting a move would be unlikely, following his recent success at his current club, a few days later, Celtic’s £2.1m offer sealed the deal.
Following a medical, and confirmation of a work permit, he played his first game in a 1-1 draw against Falkirk, winning MOTM in the process.
In the first month of the 2010-11 season, Ki rarely played, but was taken off the bench, before going on to score his first competitive goal from 25 yards – in a 4-0 win against St Mirren. By Halloween, he had become a first team regular – and despite doubts, was voted SPL Young Player of the Month.
Sadly, Ki was the subject of inexcusable racial abuse towards the back end of the month, and at a league away game to St Johnstone, suffered harrowing chants and unforgiveable comments – something no one should never have to go through.
Throughout Ki’s time at Celtic, he performed well, gaining more and more MOTM awards, and during the lengthy campaign – played a pivotal role in Celtic’s title race, ending in them lifting the SPL trophy. His 7 goals and 6 assists proving to quite literally be game changing.
In the summer transfer window of 2012, the same window Sunderland splashed the cash on the likes of Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham, Ki signed for Swansea City, for a fee around £6m – which was a record signing at the time.
Ki showed promise during his debut season – but failed to reproduce the form he executed so effortlessly at Celtic, and his once admired passing style began to be subject to some rather unconstructive criticism...
Despite helping the Welsh team to secure a League Cup trophy, a loan was seen to be his best option – and Sunderland took advantage of that…
On the 31st of August 2013, around a year after signing for Swansea, Ki headed to Wearside, on a season long loan with the option of a ‘mid-contract recall’.
He scored his first goal in a memorable League Cup victory over Chelsea, beating Schwarzer with a low shot following a cut in past Ashley Cole. This was in the 119th minute of the tiresome game! What a win that was.
Possibly his most famous memory at Sunderland was his help to send us marching down Wembley Way in the Capital One Cup. This was his 2nd consecutive League Cup final and he was eager for the challenge, but despite leading 1-0 at half time – the lads were overcome by City’s quality, and the game ended 3-1. A memorable day, despite the disappointing scoreline.
Sunderland spent most of Ki’s season dropping in and out of the relegation zone, but the midfielder played a fundamental role in their recovery – and even played while suffering from injury. Sunderland were triumphant in avoiding relegation, and miraculously finished 14th.
In order to ‘grow and improve’, Ki returned to Swansea in his 3rd season in the Premier League. He played well during the 2014/15 season, despite his commitments to international duties, become a 1st team regular, playing almost every PL game.
During the 2015/16 season, Ki scored twice for a Swansea team, seen to be later battling for relegation during the 2016/17 season – and, just like Sunderland, avoided it by the skin of their teeth.
However, they were not so lucky in the season of 2017, and as a result of their empty upfront and lacking midfield, were relegated – a fate confirmed on the final day – in 2018.
It was after departing Wales, and heading back up North, that Ki was reunited with Jonjo Shelvey – a midfielder he shared a real connection with…
On the 29th of June 2018, Ki signed a 2-year deal with Newcastle United and started regularly to begin with – under the management of Rafa Benitez. But after a series of defeats, he was not selected to start for a good while.
He began returning to the pitch through mid-match substitutions and played a substantial role in Newcastle’s relegation battle. He helped them jump from bottom of the table to 15th, in a space of time no one could’ve comprehended – and, as a result, was more in favour with the gaffer.
Ki’s good form came to a halt as a result of international duties, and, after receiving injuries during his overseas matches – Ki decided to retire from his national team in order to focus on his league commitments.
Despite the mags remaining safe, Benitez refused to extend his contract, and was replaced by former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce… (a fan favourite as we all know…)
Ki’s career did not pan out under Bruce, and the manager allowed him to explore options of more extensive game time during the January transfer window, and subsequently left the club by mutual consent – all before heading abroad…
Ki joined yet another team battling to stay up, and, in 2020 joined RCD Mallorca – but his season was cut abruptly short due to the infamous outbreak of Covid-19… a tale we know all too well.
After spending over a decade playing European football, Ki agreed to return to his former club FC Seoul, and despite losses managed to keep yet another relegation-stricken team afloat – starting the next campaign in an impressive manner, going onto captain them into the 2021 season.
