“I admit that I am sad because there is affection in the past.”
In an interview held at the Changwon International Hotel in Gyeongnam on the 14th, Shin Jin-ho said, “I am excited and looking forward to joining the team called Incheon. When I came to Incheon away game, the cheers of the fans remained in my memory. Last year, I felt that Incheon had grown a lot, and I felt that I was going to become a strong team, so I am looking forward to seeing good results and performances to the fans after I join.”
Shin Jin-ho played 32안전놀이터 league games in Pohang in the 2022 season, scoring 4 goals and 10 assists, and was the only player in Pohang to be named the league’s best eleven.
After the 2022 season, when his contract period ended, there was friction regarding his salary increase, and the renewal of the contract with Pohang was broken. Director Kim Ki-dong also intervened, but he eventually decided to break up and chose Incheon.
Of course, the trip to Incheon was possible because of Lee Myung-joo, a close friend. Shin Jin-ho said, “(Lee Myung-joo) had an influence and it was great. When I met coach (Cho Seong-hwan) on Media Day last year, he half-jokingly and half-seriously said, ‘We are recruiting players over the age of 35,’ but rather than that it worked, it just came to my mind. It was a very funny story,” he said.
“When I came to Incheon, there were several negotiation stages, but I had a lot of worries before I made a decision. I had contact with many teams, but the thought of coming to Incheon was always memorable because the fans were passionate, and I would like to work with Lee Myung-joo again. It’s great to be able to play football,” he added.
Director Kim Ki-dong and Pohang, who sent Shin Jin-ho away, can’t help but feel sorry for them.
When a league-top midfielder like Shin Jin-ho leaves the team, the void becomes apparent. Regarding
Shin Jin-ho’s transfer, coach Kim said, “In fact, we were going together this year as well. Since the contract is up until this year, the club and I will go together with the player. thought,” he said.
“I thought there would be no problem now, but (Shin Jin-ho) suddenly left the team and became very busy,” he expressed his feelings.
Shin Jin-ho said, “I transferred several times, but when I left the team, I tried to make a choice that did not go against the principles while keeping my principles.” He also revealed his philosophy.
I asked if he had revealed his principles to director Kim Ki-dong, but Shin Jin-ho said, “I didn’t.” He said, “The director also expressed his regret in many ways.”
He said, “If you say you’re sad, I want to say sorry to meet you at any time. You didn’t answer my call. I couldn’t talk on the phone, but if we meet at the stadium, it’s a problem that I have to go and meet and greet and solve. The coach will also keep it in mind and take it for a long time. It’s not the same. I think I’ll only get my ears once. I’m grateful and it’s true that I felt sorry while transferring this time.”
Leaving behind complicated emotions, Shin Jin-ho runs for Incheon. Incheon and Pohang will face off for the first time this season on April 30th at 4:30 pm at Pohang Steel Yard in the 10th round of the league.