Ahn Jung-hwan Reveals Threats and Penalties After 2002 World Cup Golden Goal

Ahn Jung-hwan has revealed that he faced significant penalties and even death threats following his golden goal in the 2002 World Cup.

On the October 15th episode of tvN's variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' (episode 339), Ahn Jung-hwan appeared as a guest.

Ahn scored a decisive golden goal in the extended match against Italy during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, propelling the South Korean team to the quarterfinals.

Ahn stated, "I gained a lot from that goal, but I also lost a lot," explaining that he faced retaliation from Italy. He was released from Italy's Serie A, where he was supposed to play, due to the golden goal. He recalled, "At that time, Serie A was unparalleled. Italian players didn't go to the English or Spanish leagues because they wouldn't be selected for the national team. Even if FC Barcelona made an offer, they wouldn't go."

Ahn was released from the Italian league's Perugia team simply because South Korea defeated Italy. He said, "Back then, South Korean football was on the periphery. People didn't even know my country well. From Italy's perspective, it was unfair to lose to a country they considered inferior." He added, "There were reports in Italian newspapers that the mafia wanted to kill me. That's why I still can't go to Italy. I hear there are many people who don't like me there." In response, Yoo Jae-suk expressed his anger, saying, "I don't understand why they would react like that just because you scored a goal in a match."

Ahn almost signed with the English Premier League's Blackburn, but Perugia claimed ownership of him and filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding the transfer fee. As a result, the contract with Blackburn fell through, and Ahn was left without a team for six months. Ahn shared, "I felt so wronged. I only played for my country, so why did I have to face such consequences?"

Eventually, Ahn joined a Japanese team under the condition that a Japanese entertainment agency would pay off his 3.8 billion won penalty. He repaid the entire debt with earnings from advertisements and broadcasts. Reflecting on his World Cup uniform, Ahn said, "It was an angelic uniform that brought me joy, but also a demonic one that caused me pain. Still, I'm not ashamed of myself, and I have no regrets because I did my best."

By Taeyuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr