Man Utd transfer target Kim Min-jae apologises for shocking post-match interview after South Korea defeat
MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Kim Min-jae has issued a grovelling apology after saying he “didn’t want to focus on his national team” following a loss with South Korea.
The defender, 26, made the controversial remark following his side’s 2-1 loss to Uruguay, which came just days after a draw with Colombia.
Kim has been outstanding for runaway Serie A leaders Napoli this term as they close in on a first title since the Diego Maradona-inspired 1990 team.
That has helped transform him into a national hero back in his homeland, but his legion of fans vented their anger towards him as he seemed to have little interest in discussing South Korea’s fortunes after their recent setback.
According to Corriere dello Sport, he said: “I am mentally tired and I only want to focus on my club at the moment, not on the national team, I have nothing more to say now.”
However, after the comments went down like a lead balloon, Kim has since apologised on social media as he blamed injury and fatigue for his response.
He said: “I apologise to them and the players who were surprised by my words.
“I had a minor injury and I have recovered. I’ve played many games and I never spared myself.
“I collapsed mentally and had an outburst. I apologise again and ask the fans always to support us.”
United and Liverpool are two of the clubs eyeing a move for the centre-half, who has played 35 matches for Napoli since his £15.9m move from Fenerbahce last summer.
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However, he recently hit back at reports that he could leave at the end of the season.
Kim, who has a £44m release clause in his contract, said: “As you know, those rumours are not true at all. I want to focus on my team. I have many tournaments to play.
“It’s been four years I have had these rumours. It’s uncomfortable. I wish you don’t spread those stories.
“I cannot be bothered by transfer rumours because they aren’t true. Now I’m focusing on the team, rather than that kind of nonsense.”