Jesse Lingard received a heartfelt response from one FC Seoul teammate after the former Manchester United star posted an emotionally charged message to fans.
The 31-year-old former England international made his long-awaited return to football in 2024 after spending seven months as a free agent.
Jesse Lingard left Nottingham Forest in 2023 after his contract expired and he waited on the sidelines amid his search for a new club.
The ex-Manchester United and Nottingham Forest player made the surprise decision to sign for K League side FC Seoul back in February.
Lingard did come under criticism early in his FC Seoul spell over his form and lack of impact, with the former England star facing immense pressure at the time.
The FC Seoul star also suffered a setback after he was forced to undergo knee surgery, but he has since been able to turn the tide back in his favour.
Lingard receives message from FC Seoul teammate
Jesse Lingard has managed 11 appearances for FC Seoul since his signing and has managed to score once for the K League club.
The former Manchester United star opened his goalscoring account with FC Seoul in a 2-0 home win over Gangwon FC in June.
Lingard also received the captain’s armband at FC Seoul last month, with the former Three Lions star beginning to settle into life at the South Korean side.
FC Seoul have picked up three back-to-back wins in their recent K League outings, including a 5-1 thrashing of 10-man Jeonbuk away from home on the weekend.
Lingard took to Instagram after the match and made his feelings clear after FC Seoul continued their winning ways in the K League.
“Special night,” he wrote.
Ronaldo Tavares, who is on loan at FC Seoul from Estrela Amadora, responded to Lingard’s post with a straightforward message.
“Captain,” he wrote, adding an emoji alongside his comment.
Ronaldo Tavares posted the same message – albeit a different emoji – in a follow-up post that Lingard made on his Instagram.
Why Lingard moved to FC Seoul
Lingard revealed at the time of signing for FC Seoul that he was keen to put his career back on track and felt the club offered him a new and different challenge.
“I’ve always wanted a different challenge and to create new memories in my career,” he said, as per BBC Sport in February.
“I believe South Korea is the perfect place for that.”
Lingard added: “FC Seoul showed me great passion, sending me a concrete offer on paper while other clubs were contacting me verbally.
“They also came to Manchester to check my physical condition as well.”