After the global soccer extravaganza of 2002, Ahn's career took a dramatic turn for the worse. He had planned to continue to shine in the Italian Serie A, but failed to do so and instead signed a contract with Blackburn FC of the English Premier League. However, a lawsuit filed by the Italian club Perugia forced Ahn to pay a huge fine of 3.8 million dollars in order to get out of the Serie A. The lawsuit was filed by the Italian club Perugia. It was against this backdrop that a Japanese company lent a helping hand and Ahn was able to wear the colors of the Japanese J-League team Shimizu Drums.
It is envisioned that if all goes well, Ahn may be able to become an Asian player to land in the Premier League ahead of Park Ji-Sung and Son. Such a scenario can not help but make people feel sorry.
Facing the ups and downs of the past, Ahn said frankly, "I am proud to represent the Korean national team. During my years playing for the national team, I have reaped honors and experienced challenges. In the face of difficulties, I had to face them alone, and I did my best as a player."
On the eve of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Ahn had the opportunity to join La Liga, but ultimately chose to join Duisburg in Germany to better prepare for the World Cup. It was in that match between South Korea and Togo that Ahn scored a crucial goal to earn South Korea their first away win at the World Cup.
Ahn was caught on camera praying before the draw for Group E between Spain and Germany at the latest group stage of the World Cup in Qatar. Japan had the misfortune of being in Group E, the group of death, while South Korea was placed in Group H. Ahn recalled, "I prayed while reciting a mantra that South Korea would not fall into Group E. Group H is not easy, but there is still hope."
"I took the material with me and marched down the tunnel."
Referring to his early years, Ahn revealed that he worked as a handyman at the Mokdong subway construction site during his high school years. He said, "I walked down the tunnel with my materials."
Recently, Ahn taught soccer to children at a women's soccer stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul. He also donated a portion of the profits from Ahn Jung Hwan 19, a podcast he runs, to charity. He said, "I started this job because I wanted to help young people who are from difficult families or who love soccer. To this day, I am still loved by everyone, so I wanted to give back to the community in this way."
This November, Ahn will be traveling to Qatar as a commentator, pouring his voice into the World Cup matches. A book on Klopp and Guardiola sits in the corner of his car. (Editor Soil and Water)
