One of the Swans’ new boys Ki Sung-Jeung has revealed he was close to returning to Korea for military service before the Olympic Games
However a bronze at the 2012 London games earned the squad an exemption and before he knew it it was a £5.5m move to the Liberty Stadium and the Premier League.
“I was thinking I would go back to Korea to do my military service for two years, join a Korean club and then retire – but now I can change my plan,” said £5.5m signing Ki.
“No-one expected us to beat Team GB so we went crazy afterwards.
“We’d prepared for the Olympics for three years, so we knew how big the victory was.
“Every man has to go to the military for two years, but if you get a medal at the Olympics you go for just four weeks.
“If I did not win bronze I would have to go back within four years, now I can play for 10 or 12 more years. It’s good news.
“It (military service) is not that hard but you don’t get freedom and because I did well in the Olympics I have contributed to my country as a footballer I don’t have to do it.
“If I do well in Europe it gives people hope, this move is a bonus and I will still go back to Korea one day to play.
A lot of people say Swansea are called ‘Swanselona’ because they play like Barcelona.
“Players also have good things to say about Swansea.
“When I played against them I was very impressed by the style of football they played and they did very well last season.
“So the main reason I came here is the lovely football they play.
“The way they keep the ball, it’s the way I try to play football.
“A lot of football teams don’t play like Swansea, they have shown they can play like a Spanish team.
“Teams in Korea try to play like that, without the physical side of the game they want to pass and move.
“Michael Laudrup was also a big attraction for me, and it was always my target to play in the Premier League since I was young. Michael was one of the best players in the world so I want to learn a lot from him.
“Sometimes I feel a little pressure about the fee because Swansea have paid a lot of money for me and I have to show why,” said Ki.
“I know I will need some time to adapt to my new team, they have done very well in the first two games and are looking for another win this weekend.
“I am not sure I will start, but it does not matter if I get a chance.
“I have to make sure I am in the team as quickly as possible and I am confident I can fit into this team.
“I played in the Europa League last season and it would have been a good experience to play in the Champions League.
“I could have stayed at Celtic and played in the Champions League, but now I have the chance to play against some of the biggest clubs in the world like Manchester United and Chelsea every week.”
“There will be a difference in quality between Scotland and the Premier League, but English football and Scottish football are the same.
“It’s a step up but I’m looking forward to it.”
