Jesse Lingard has vowed to “stay weird”, with the former Manchester United star making it clear to any detractors that he will “never change”.
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Spent several months as a free agentEventually landed move to South KoreaDetermined to silence his detractors(C)Getty imagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The former England international has endured a testing 18 months, with free agency hit in the summer of 2023 when being released by Nottingham Forest. He spent a long time without a club, despite taking in a trial spells at the likes of West Ham and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.
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Lingard faced criticism from the likes of Paul Scholes when working through a personal fitness programme, but finally landed himself another contract when making a surprise switch to FC Seoul. Further challenges have been faced in South Korea, with surgery required on a knee injury.
WHAT LINGARD SAID
The 31-year-old midfielder is already training again, just 12 days after going under the knife, and is determined to silence those that continue to write him off. As part of that process, Lingard has posted an inspirational message on social media that reads: “Never change to be accepted by others. STAY WEIRD.”
InstagramWHAT NEXT FOR LINGARD?
Lingard agreed a two-year contract when making his way to the Far East, meaning that time is still on his side – despite seeing his attitude and application called into question – when it comes to making a success of a challenge a long way outside of his comfort zone.