Former Manchester United player Jesse Lingard has come under fire from Simon Jordan for joining FC Seoul, a “footballing outpost,” and for wasting his talent.
After being released by Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, Lingard, 31, completed an unexpected transfer to the South Korean team this week.
Despite offers from up to 26 teams worldwide, he decided to join the K League. It is said that his weekly salary would be about £17,500, which is a significant decrease from the £100,000 he was receiving at United.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Jordan chastised Lingard for prioritising his “brand” over his on-field performance.
‘Good riddance to bad rubbish. Wasted his time, wasted his career, wasted his opportunities, wasted his time at Nottingham Forest, wasted Nottingham Forest’s money, and this is the level he’s now at. Well done,’ Jordan said.
‘All the talent you had, all the opportunities you’ve had, you’ve played for the biggest club in world football in my view in Manchester United and you spent more time worrying about what you look like.
‘Good player. No doubt he’s a good player but he’s a waste of time now.
‘Ask Nottingham Forest fans what they think of him… waste of time. What a waste of an opportunity.
‘You don’t land in Seoul for a nondescript team in a nondescript league for nondescript money in the age of fortunes and people questioning whether you’ve got brands. Brand what? Brand idiot?
‘What’s his brand? Wasted talent, I’ve worked my way down from Man United to FC Seoul in four years, follow me!’
It’s safe to say that Jordan didn’t approve of Lingard’s move to South Korea. He’s not wrong though.
Lingard has wasted his talent after showing early promise. He could have been a really useful player for the clubs he has played for. His loan spell at West Ham United showed he can be a goal scorer and carry the ball from the midfield.
Lingard’s biggest issue throughout his career has been his inconsistency and his focus on stuff off the pitch.
