New signing Ji-Dong Won targets Sunderland impact ‘within six months’

Ji Dong-Won, Jeonnam

Related Links

Teams

Players

Sunderland’s new South Korean signing Ji Dong-Won says he is looking forward to making his mark on the Premier League, and is targeting breaking into the first-team sooner rather than later.

The 20-year-old striker made the switch to the Stadium of Light from Chunnam Dragons on Thursday.

“I am so satisfied to be able to come to a good club, a nice club in the world’s number one league,” he told the club’s official website.

“I am happy because I have a chance to challenge the biggest players, and that gives me motivation.”

Ji, who has already scored six goals in 11 internationals, spoke of his happiness at being able to join fellow South Koreans in the English league.

“I am so glad to be able to meet other Korean players on such a big stage, but there is no such excuse for the opponent. I will do my best to defeat them,” he added.

“It will not be easy. I am enjoying the life and studying English. I hope I could be a member of this team within six months.”

Ji, 20, and fellow new signing Connor Wickham, 18, form part of a youthful, rejuvenated Sunderland frontline alongside Asamoah Gyan, as Steve Bruce continues to rebuild following the departure of Darren Bent in January.

And the 6’2” striker is looking to use his physical presence to stamp his authority on the league.

“As a striker, I like to overwhelm defenders,” he added.

“My aim is to help the team get as many points as possible. That is what will give me satisfaction.”

This is not Ji’s first spell in England, having spent a year on the books at Reading in 2007-08 without playing a first-team game.