I left with the love of the fans in my heart... Al Hilal match? Gwangju 'Challenge to win ACLE' leaves Saudi Arabia for the showdown, and "I'm really getting a lot of strength."
I left with the love of the fans in my heart... Al Hilal match? Gwangju 'Challenge to win ACLE' leaves Saudi Arabia for the showdown, and "I'm really getting a lot of strength."
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"We are not heading to Saudi Arabia to play one match. Our goal is to win." It was a common commitment among the Gwangju FC players.
Gwangju left for Saudi Arabia on the night of April 20 to determine the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) winners in the 2024-25 season through Incheon International Airport.
Gwangju divided the team into an advance team and a latecomer and headed for the final round. At 8:30 p.m., the advance team arrived at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1. Countless fans welcomed the team. It was the beginning of a farewell ceremony prepared early by the Gwangju front desk in communication with fans.
For Gwangju players, the farewell ceremony of the fans was touching.
The players did not hide their gratitude to the fans who visited Incheon International Airport from Gwangju.
The players got off the bus and high-fiveed with all the fans as they entered the airport. They did not hesitate to ask for autographs and photos.
A latecomer arrived at Incheon International Airport at 9:30 p.m. This time again, Gwangju fans cheered for the players from the moment they got off the bus. They applauded and shouted the names of each player.
It was half an hour after that.
There was a common voice among the fans.
"When is our captain coming?"
10 p.m. Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo arrived at Incheon International Airport. It was the "Leader of Gwangju" that fans have been waiting for so long.
The fans burst into loud applause and cheers. Lee responded to the fans by saying, "I'm sorry for being late," and smiling brightly.
The fan service of the Gwangju squad continued.
Each player greeted the fans in a row with a high-five. They took pictures with a bright smile and signed autographs.
Lee did not miss fan service, either. He answered fans' requests one by one with a bright smile.
Gwangju fan Kim Jin-ok, who visited Incheon International Airport in Gwangju with her husband and two sons on the 20th, said, "I also planned to cheer for the away trip to Seoul on the 19th, but I cheered from a distance because I was not feeling well."
"Our players couldn't stay home as long as they were leaving the country. I came from Gwangju because I wanted to see off the players ahead of a really important game. Gwangju's challenge is touching. We are a civic team. It is a poor environment compared to other corporate teams, but we are moving toward winning the ACLE with determination and passion. I am very proud of our team. It is not an easy schedule for our family, but it seems to be worthwhile to come here even if it is too much. I am happy to convey my strength to the players like this." Kim means it.
The players vowed to win with the support of these fans.
Joo Se-jong said, "I've never experienced this before in my professional career," adding, "I think it's really the first time except when I played in the World Cup when I was a national team." 안전놀이터
"I was surprised when I got off the bus. I don't know how to express my gratitude to my fans. I'm really encouraged by them," he said.
Joo Se-jong added, "Our coach said, 'The goal is to win.' The players will trust and follow our captain. I will prepare well and repay the fans' support."
Before heading to the departure hall, the Gwangju players took photos with their fans. The players did not lose their warm smiles until the end due to the warm hospitality of the fans.