Jesse Lingard's home debut for FC Seoul produced a league-record attendance as thousands of supporters queued to buy his club tickets before kick-off.
The 31-year-old former Manchester United player, who was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the South Korean side in February 2024.
During the last weekend, the Englishman made his much-anticipated K League 1 debut in a 2-0 defeat to Gwangju, where he was brought on in the 77th minutes of action.
It was a forgettable afternoon for fans but a week later, they were still willing to catch a glimpse of their arguably biggest-ever signing on Sunday, March 10.
In fact, FC Seoul built a shop outside the club's 66,000-capacity stadium containing Lingard customized jerseys, and numerous fans were filmed queueing up for hours to make their purchase.
It was later confirmed that Lingard's appearance helped set a K League attendance record after a phenomenal 51,670 supporters were present at the Gyeongin Derby.
Before the arrival of Lingard, attendance record was 45,007 spectators which was set by FC Seoul in 2018 during a match against Daegu.
Fans must have been discouraged to see the midfielder on the bench on Sunday but FC Seoul head coach Kim Gi-dong decided to introduce Lingard after the half-hour mark.
Speaking after the game that ended 0-0, the former West Ham United man said; "We probably should have won in the end. I had a couple of half-chances. Not enough clear chances, but I think we can build on this".
"I think it's all about mindset and confidence coming into these games."
He added: "In front of a big crowd, first home game - amazing support throughout. We maybe should have finished off our chances."
According to a report from Korean outlets, Lingard has become the K League’s highest-paid player following his move to FC Seoul.
It is believed that the midfielder will earn around 1.15 million dollars per year.
The 31-year-old former Manchester United player, who was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the South Korean side in February 2024.
During the last weekend, the Englishman made his much-anticipated K League 1 debut in a 2-0 defeat to Gwangju, where he was brought on in the 77th minutes of action.
It was a forgettable afternoon for fans but a week later, they were still willing to catch a glimpse of their arguably biggest-ever signing on Sunday, March 10.
In fact, FC Seoul built a shop outside the club's 66,000-capacity stadium containing Lingard customized jerseys, and numerous fans were filmed queueing up for hours to make their purchase.
It was later confirmed that Lingard's appearance helped set a K League attendance record after a phenomenal 51,670 supporters were present at the Gyeongin Derby.
Before the arrival of Lingard, attendance record was 45,007 spectators which was set by FC Seoul in 2018 during a match against Daegu.
Fans must have been discouraged to see the midfielder on the bench on Sunday but FC Seoul head coach Kim Gi-dong decided to introduce Lingard after the half-hour mark.
Speaking after the game that ended 0-0, the former West Ham United man said; "We probably should have won in the end. I had a couple of half-chances. Not enough clear chances, but I think we can build on this".
"I think it's all about mindset and confidence coming into these games."
He added: "In front of a big crowd, first home game - amazing support throughout. We maybe should have finished off our chances."
According to a report from Korean outlets, Lingard has become the K League’s highest-paid player following his move to FC Seoul.
It is believed that the midfielder will earn around 1.15 million dollars per year.