Park Ji-sung has laughed off suggestions that he is as important as Wayne Rooney.
South Korea star Park Ji-sung has laughed off suggestions that he is as important to the Asian side as Wayne Rooney is to England.The playmaker helped Dick Advocaat's side to a 2-1 win over Togo on Tuesday with an impressive display in central midfield.
His performance in Frankfurt led many in the media to compare him to Manchester United team-mate Rooney, but Park insists he has a long way to go to be as good as the striker.
"There's a big difference between me and Rooney," he said.
"He's just 20 years old and it is unbelievable how special he is. He's got physical power and he's strong technically as well.
"I'm not a superstar. I don't think I'm world class. I'm a better player than before I came to Manchester United but I still need to do many things to improve."
Park was impressed by Rooney's return to action against Trinidad & Tobago following a long lay-off with a broken foot.
England's star man came off the bench to inspire his side to victory in the final 30 minutes of the game in Nuremberg.
"It was a surprise he came back so quickly," he added. "But when I saw him on TV he looked physically fit. He just needs time because he hasn't played for seven weeks. He's getting there."
Meanwhile, Park is looking for a repeat of South Korea's amazing 2002 campaign, and knows victory on Sunday would put them on their way by ensuring qualification for the second round.
"If we win we're in the second round," said Park. "I don't want to believe that we can't go through. In 2002 nobody thought Korea could go to the semi-finals.
"I think at this World Cup we have a chance to do it again."
