Jesse Lingard reborn in Korea

Lingard has become a completely different person, with a more positive attitude, than when he played in England.

"They are still my team," Lingard said while watching a United match from his apartment in Seoul.

Lingard was once the focus of criticism when MU declined, being labeled "destroying the club's culture" along with Paul Pogba. Currently, he refutes: "We just try to bring positivity. We win, laugh and spread the spirit. Isn't that a good culture?".

At 32, Lingard went through difficult times in England. He struggled with physical injuries and mental pressure, especially the time his mother had to undergo psychological treatment.

Lingard used to keep it a secret and not share it with anyone. Now, he has become calmer, more mature and balanced in his approach to life.

At FC Seoul, Lingard is the captain, the most sought-after name in the K-League. Although living far away from his 6-year-old daughter made Lingard cry many times at the airport, he is still happy: "Life is wonderful. Sometimes you just need to leave to find yourself again."

Lingard doesn't see himself as a failure. Despite a shorter-than-expected Premier League spell, he has won the FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League and scored at the 2018 World Cup. "I feel like I've achieved something. A boy from Warrington has overcome everything, which is not something everyone can do," he said.

Lingard was looking for a new club after leaving United, and was hesitant between Newcastle, West Ham and Nottingham Forest. He jokingly said he would "give details about these options on a rainy day". Although his season at Nottingham Forest was interrupted by an Achilles injury, Lingard still cherishes and values ​​his time at the club.

South Korea helps Lingard regenerate.

Lingard doesn't want to stop yet. He has ambitions to play football for another 4 years, and is considering MLS or UAE. However, Lingard's heart is still set on the Premier League. He admitted: "I'm still physically fit, currently running more than 7 miles (about 11 km) per game."

More surprisingly, Lingard revealed his passion for acting: "I've always thought about being an actor. Football isn't everything. If there's a suitable opportunity, I'm willing to invest and change my career direction."

He is even looking to join a TV show in Korea. "It might just be a cameo, but I want to try. Starting now is reasonable," the former Manchester United midfielder declared.

Amidst the limelight and criticism, Lingard does not shy away from past mistakes, but also does not accept being labelled as "flashy, unfocused". He lived under heavy pressure at MU - from fans, media to former players and football experts.

Lingard asserted: "At the end of the day, everyone is human. They (experts) like to talk, but no one knows what goes on behind the scenes."

And now Lingard smiles, serene in Seoul, where he has found happiness and peace again. "I love the culture, I love the people here. I feel lucky," Lingard concluded.

Solskjaer speaks out about Lingard's situation at MU Before the match against Watford in round 12 of the Premier League, the Norwegian coach said Jesse Lingard was disappointed because he did not play regularly at MU.