By David Gold
July 4 – Park Chu-Young has been named in South Korea’s men’s squad for the London 2012 Olympic Games, despite postponing his military service.
Park (pictured) has caused anger in his home country by obtaining a 10-year residence permit in Monaco, where he used to play before signing for English Premier League side Arsenal last summer.
The permit effectively delays his military service, which the 26-year-old striker would otherwise have had to complete in two years’ time.
He was dropped for South Korea’s recent World Cup qualifiers, but Park apologised and has promised to complete his service without specifying when.
For the player, however, the delay increases his value to clubs interested in signing him, since he has failed to establish himself at the Gunners and is likely to leave the Emirates Stadium.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo said: “He brings a lot of international experience and will play a significant role on this team.”
Park has played in the last two World Cups for South Korea, whose Olympic group includes Switzerland, Gabon and Mexico.
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