"Isn't It a Composite Photo?"... Lingard Really Entered Korea, Fans Gathered

Crowd Congestion at Incheon International Airport

Jesse Lingard (32), formerly of Manchester United, who is set to join domestic professional football club FC Seoul, arrived in Korea, drawing the attention of not only sports fans but also netizens.

Earlier, on the 5th (local time), Lingard posted a photo on his Instagram account showing himself waiting at London Heathrow Airport in the UK. He also uploaded a picture of himself watching a drama on a laptop while on the plane. Lingard entered Korea through Incheon International Airport that afternoon.

England national team attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard, who is preparing to join professional football club FC Seoul, is arriving through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 5th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

At the time of his arrival, he was dressed in a black hoodie and a black cap. When Lingard appeared, hundreds of football fans who had gathered to see him reportedly shouted "Jesse" and cheered loudly. Lingard smiled and waved his hand toward the welcoming crowd.

Lingard is a product of the youth academy of Manchester United, a prestigious football club in the English Premier League. He made his professional debut in 2011 and played for Birmingham City, Brighton, and Derby County. He later returned to Manchester United and began to build his career in earnest from the 2015-2016 season. He also joined the England national team, appearing in a total of 32 matches and scoring 6 goals.

News of Lingard, who boasts a brilliant career, joining FC Seoul sparked a flood of speculation among football fans and netizens alike. Reactions such as "This is unbelievable," "Is this photoshopped?" and "Maybe he’s actually here just for sightseeing" were common, expressing disbelief.

Lingard first made contact with Seoul last summer, and after rapid progress in signing negotiations over the past month, he reportedly completed the signing procedures. He boasts the most impressive credentials among foreign players in K League history. After the signing press conference, Lingard is scheduled to join the Seoul squad currently training in Kagoshima, Japan.