'Extra motivation' for Singapore's South Korean-born midfielder Song ahead of World Cup qualifier in Seoul

SEOUL: At the age of 10, Song Ui-young dreamt of becoming a professional footballer and playing for his national team.

Inspired by South Korea’s magical run at the 2002 World Cup which they jointly hosted with Japan, Song's wish was to one day represent the country and play at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Fast forward about two decades, and Song – now an established pro – will take to the field at the same stadium.

But he will be wearing the jersey of the away team, Singapore. It is a jersey which now represents home.

“Somehow, I made my dream (come true). To be honest, I really feel appreciative to Singapore and FAS (Football Association of Singapore),” Song, 30, told CNA in an interview at the Lions' hotel on Tuesday (Nov 14).

“What I can do for those who helped me and who gave me this opportunity (is that) I just put 100 per cent of my effort and work hard ... I’m ready to do my best for Singapore at this coming game.”

Song arrived in Singapore as an 18-year-old and played for Home United – now known as Lion City Sailors – in the Prime League.

“I couldn’t speak English - I only knew 'yes' or 'no'," he said in a 2019 interview with this reporter.

Song struggled with communication with his teammates on the field and loneliness off it when he first arrived.

While he stayed in an apartment with assistant coach and compatriot Baek Jong-seok, Song found the going tough.

“I didn’t talk much to my family about my hardship because they would worry for sure. I didn’t want them to worry. So I would just share with my best friend in Korea,” he told CNA previously.

"If I went back to Korea, maybe I wouldn't need to feel this kind of thing. That’s why I wanted to give up. Sometimes I cried."

But Song made the effort to press on, and the first