South Korean star Kim Min-jae is suspected of quitting the national team after losing 1-2 to Uruguay

2023-03-29 13:36

South Korean star Kim Min-jae is suspected of quitting the national team after losing 1-2 to Uruguay


South Korea lost 2-1 at home to Uruguay in their second international friendly in March. After the game, Napoli star Kim Min-jae suspected of announcing his withdrawal from the national team.


"Right now I'm exhausted," Kim Min-jae said tersely during an interview in the mixed zone. "I want to focus on my club (Napoli), not the national team. I have nothing to say now."


When the media further asked him whether he had notified the Korean Football Association (KFA) in advance, Kim Min-jae responded: "I can't say that we have made any arrangements, but we are having some discussions."


The 26-year-old Jin Minzai serves as a central defender and is currently playing for Napoli in Serie A. He is the main member of the South Korean team in the 2019 Asian Cup and the 2022 World Cup. So far, he has played 49 times and scored 3 goals and 3 assists.


Korean media reported on Wednesday, citing an unnamed Football Association official, that Kim Min-jae first complained about his lack of energy in January this year. According to him, South Korean coach Klinsmann also knows about Kim Min-jae, who raised the issue in a separate conversation.


"I know that Klinsmann and Minya had a friendly exchange. They didn't have any problems," the official told the media.


He later added that KFA and Klinsmann will seek dialogue after Kim Min-jae calms down: "Klinsmann will go to Europe next month, when he will have talks with Min-jae in Naples."