S. Korean left back considering exit from Dortmund

SEOUL, Nov. 16 (Yonhap) — South Korean left back Park Joo-ho is considering an exit from Borussia Dortmund, as he has been struggling to find playing time for the German Bundesliga club.

Park joined Dortmund from Mainz on a three-year contract in August 2015, but has yet to impress. The 29-year-old played 11 matches in all competitions last season and he has only featured in two Bundesliga matches for Thomas Tuchel’s side this season.

“I haven’t talked with my club about transferring,” Park said on Tuesday after South Korea’s World Cup qualifying match against Uzbekistan. “But there are lots of possibilities. If I don’t get to play, I should consider a transfer.”

Park departed for Germany on Wednesday. The former Basel defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, said he is always ready to play.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen once I return to my club, but I’m always ready to play,” he said. “I will do my best.”

Park also expressed his excitement on possible training opportunities with Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. European media recently reported that the nine-time Olympic gold medalist will train with Dortmund in the future, possibly during the next pre-season.

“Yes, I heard that Bolt will be training with us and that’s very interesting,” he said. “I want to learn from Bolt how to gain speed, but I think my sprint power has its limits.”

Despite limited playing time with his club, Park played well in South Korea’s 2-1 victory against Uzbekistan. While the team was trailing 1-0, his left-footed cross found Nam Tae-hee’s head for the equalizer in the second half.

Park was selected by head coach Uli Stielike for the first time since March. He had to compete against fellow left backs Yun Suk-young of Brondby and Hong Chul of Suwon Samsung Bluewings for the World Cup qualifier, but went on to take the starting spot.

Park has played 31 matches for South Korea, but has yet to score a goal.

South Korean left back Park Joo-ho (R) sends a cross against Uzbekistan defender during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier between South Korea and Uzbekistan at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2016.