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Lingard makes his K League debut as FC Seoul suffer loss in their opening match

  /  autty

Former Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard made his K League debut and was welcomed in style.

The 31-year-old completed a surprise move to South Korean club FC Seoul last month after being released from his Nottingham Forest contract at the end of last season.

He chose to move to the K League despite offers from as many as 26 clubs around the world. With reports suggesting he will earn around £17,500-a-week, a huge drop off from the £100,000-a-week he was on at United.

Lingard made his long awaited debut for his new club after coming off the bench away to Gwangju on Saturday.

And South Korean fans marked the big occasion with a big cheer as thousands were seen with their phones out to get footage of the moment.

Seoul went on to lose their opening match of the season 2-0 with goals in the 21st minute and deep into stoppage-time.

Seoul finished a mid-table seventh in the K League last season, but the year before finished only two points above the relegation places.

Speaking in a press conference upon signing, Lingard said: 'I’m very excited. It’s a new challenge. I’ve accepted it, I’m here and I’m ready to embrace the culture.

'It’s a new beginning for me, a new chapter in my career. I just want to enjoy playing football again, putting a smile on people’s faces and showing Korean fans what I can do.'

Lingard scored twice and contributed two assists in 20 appearances for Forest last season before they released him.