Kuala Lumpur: The most successful Asian footballer in history, Park Ji-sung has urged football fans from around the world to join the #BreakTheChain team to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The former Korea Republic captain and Manchester United midfielder who won 19 major trophies in his career - is the latest icon to lend his voice in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) public awareness campaign which continues to engage with millions of fans to convey educational and inspiring messages.
The pandemic has affected everyone globally but through the power of football, more than 120 Asian icons and officials have spread the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines and raise awareness through a series of videos.
Joining Park, the first Asian to win the FIFA Club World Cup, in the latest #BreakTheChain episode are Bahrain’s goalkeeper Sayed Mohamed Jaafar and Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan.
Park enjoyed a stellar professional career where he led his country to a fourth-place finish at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was jointly hosted by Korea Republic and Japan, and he is now urging fans to join him in the battle against COVID-19.
“We are playing on the same team against a common opponent and need to work together to succeed. Around the world, the lives and economies of countries have been severely impacted by the COVID-19. So, it is crucial that we listen to the advice of the World Health Organization and medical experts to stop the spread of this pandemic.
“I’m sure many of you are worried. But continue to stay positive and calm because the unsung heroes - doctors, nurses and frontliners - are risking their lives every day to save others, and to keep us and our loved ones safe.
“Let’s not forget about those who have donated food to the poor and blood to the hospitals or those who continue to check on the elderly in their neighbourhood. All their kind efforts – small or big – touch the lives of so many people who need it most. Be part of this #BreakTheChain team and together we will fight for a better and brighter future.”
Bhuyan, who helped Bangladesh qualify to the knockout stage of the 2018 Asian Games for the first time after scoring the winning goal against Qatar, added: “Please join us on our mission to break the chain. The COVID-19 is spreading all around the world so we must do this together. The steps set by the World Health Organization is simple, wash your hands, maintain social distancing and if necessary, stay at home. We are stronger than we think so let’s unite and do our part.”
Bahrain’s Sayed, part of the team to win the 2019 WAFF Championship and Gulf Cup, also throws his support behind the newest episode of the #BreakTheChain campaign which will continue to feature more Asian stalwarts in the coming week.
