Reporter Choi Song-ah = There is only one ‘foreign captain’ in the 2023 professional soccer K-League, which kicks off with K-League 1 on the 25th of this month.
Daegu FC’s ‘living legend’ Sejingya (34, Brazil) is the main character.
Playing in Daegu since the 2016 season, promoted to the first division, winning the Korea Football Association (FA) Cup, participating in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL), advancing to the top division of K League 1 for the first time in history, and achieving the best result (3rd place). Sejingya, who made a remarkable contribution to the game, wore the captain’s armband last summer.
Daegu, which had suffered a long slump in the league at the time, completely replaced the captaincy and entrusted the absolute ace, Sejinya, with a heavy responsibility.
Since then, Daegu has completely escaped the relegation zone thanks to the last-minute rebound, and again chose ‘Captain Cesingya’ while preparing for the new season.
Sejingya, who attended the K-League media camp held in Namhae, Gyeongsangnam-do on the 1st, the last day of the first winter training in Daegu, said, “The weight and responsibility of the captain’s armband is great. I am grateful to the coach and all members of the club for trusting me.” We have to lead by example and show a sense of responsibility not only on the field but also outside.”
Colleagues agree that Sejingya already shows that aspect with his body.
Daegu striker Ko Jae-hyeon said, “For a foreign player to captain the team means that he is a great player who is recognized and trusted by other players.”
Daegu in the 2023 season drawn by captain and star Sejingya is a ‘team that can harass many teams’.
Sejingya said, “The truth is that we don’t have a thick squad, and we can’t recruit more players and more famous players than teams with big budgets.” I want to be a team that has it.”
“Personally, I don’t like to lose to anyone, and I have a strong desire to win,” he said. no,” he added.
“Last year, I had a lot of hard times and there were many times when I was mentally depressed because of a lot of stress, but this year, as captain, I have to prepare in advance to prevent that from happening.” do,” he said.
Since 2019, he has not missed a spot in the K-League 1 season’s best 11, and was also nominated for MVP in 2019 and 2020, and did not hide his desire for a personal title.
“I want to show better skills than before and win an award at the end of the year, whether it’s the best 11, assist, top scorer, or MVP,” said Sejingya. 안전놀이터
Accumulating around 20 attack points every year and recording 80 goals and 53 assists in 209 K-League games, Sejingya’s performance shined especially after the opening of DGB Daegu Bank Park, a new home stadium in 2019. The adjective ‘King’ was added.
It is to the point that fans forget that a ‘statue’ of him should be erected in front of the stadium.
Sejingya said, “I know it’s been a while since such talk started coming out. Last year, I confirmed my retention and received many messages from fans.”
He smiled brightly, saying, “If it really happens later, I want the fans to choose whatever shape it is.”
Sejingya said, “Daegu is a family. I will never forget the many achievements made here with the fans. I don’t know how many more, but the things I’ve done so far will never disappear because I’ve already engraved them in my heart. We’ll be together for as long as possible and write a new history.” I want to go down,” he said forcefully.