Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has finally found himself a new club as he is set to join South Korean side FC Seoul on a free, pending a full medical, but many football fans were left scratching their heads after he was presented with a flute after touching downat the airport.
Lingard has been a free agent in the transfer market ever since his contract at Nottingham Forest expired last summer and despite reportedly receiving interest from more than 20 clubs in that time, the ex-Man United midfielder has now decided to try out life in the K-League.
While many will be wondering why he chose FC Seoul, in particular — especially when he had been linked with the likes of Lazio, Everton and his former loan club West Ham for the longest time — even more might be raising an eyebrow as to why exactly a fan gifted him a flute when arrived in South Korea.
Well, obviously, there is some context behind it.
Jesse Lingard received Danso, a traditional Korean wind instrument, as a gift from a fan at Incheon International Airport😂 #kleaguepic.twitter.com/8usj420rYt
As explained by Korea Football News on X, the flute is actually a traditional Korean wind instrument made out of bamboo called a ‘danso’ and as for why was given it (besides being a token of the new culture he is embracing) you’d have to go back to his time at United and West Ham.
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For those who remember his in-form periods for the Red Devils and purple patch for the Hammers, Lingard was well known for whipping all manner of amusing celebrations, from the moonwalk and making the now official ‘J-Lingz’ logo with his hands to, you guessed it, playing the flute.
He enjoyed the dance and flute playing gesture on more than a few occasions during his time across the two clubs and given its humorous nature, not to mention his popularity and Premier League profile at the time, the celebration went on to be mimicked by others and even feature in multiple FIFA games.
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All that being said, while it might look a bit random that he was given a woodwind instrument at first glance, it’s actually not that bizarre when you look into it — even if the whole thing did start out as a nod to St Patrick’s Day away back in 2017. We expect he’ll be whipping out the flute if he scores on debut.
JESSE LINGARD was mobbed by fans as he arrived in South Korea to complete his FC Seoul transfer… and was bizarrely handed a flute.
GALATASARAY have signed Premier League duo Forest Serge Aurier and Fulham Carlos Vinicius on loan AFTER transfer window shut pic.twitter.com/4Ujii0rNzj
Soon to pen an apparent two-year deal with the club after passing the first part of his medical and his official unveiling imminent, the 31-year-old is expected to join up with FC Seoul right away.
Although there are few concrete details surrounding the exact terms of the deal, it has been reported that the Warrington-born footballer will sign his contract “within the next 24 hours” and is rumoured to have been promised a “lucrative salary”.
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Linagrd’s signing will also likely serve as a bit of a marquee coup for the K-League, similar to the raft of senior players that have recently joined Saudi Arabia and could potentially attract more talents from Europe to make the switch later in their careers.
🚨🇰🇷 Jesse Lingard has completed first part of medical tests on Monday as new Seoul FC player.
Final part will be completed today ahead of signature on Wednesday.
Lingard will join Seoul FC on two year contract in the next 24h, if all goes to plan. pic.twitter.com/68OiTC1vD4
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Featured Images — Oleg Bkhambri (via Wikimedia Commons)/England (screenshot via YouTube)
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Wigan Warriors’ Bevan French out for around four months with major muscle injury
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors player Bevan French has unfortunately been ruled out for roughly four months following a fairly serious muscle injury.
An important playmaker and cog in the wider team, his absence will surely be felt.
French, 30, is said to have suffered a hamstring tear during the win over Toulouse Olympique this past weekend, and while not as severe as a full rupture, Bevan has now been told by the club he will be sidelined for approximately 16 weeks, according to head coach Matt Peet.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after learning the news, he provided a number of updates from the physio room, including the latest on Jai Field, who French had been filling in for at fullback.
While Wigan are currently leading the Super League once again, they will be without one of their key Warriors with just under a dozen games left in the season.
The Greater Manchester club’s quadruple-winning boss and former Coach of the Year admitted that, despite some obvious disappointments in the immediate aftermath, his “positive” and “philosophical” attitude has already kicked in.
He’s quite philosophical, Bevan. He quickly flips a switch.
“Now he knows the timeframe and the schedule for his recovery, like most professionals, he can get his head down now and focus on the present”, said the 41-year-old.
The Australian stand-off/fly-half has regularly run the show in red and white, and even amid periods out of the squad, he remains an understandable fan favourite and integral part of the team when fit.
You only need to hear pundits and peers alike describing him as a “special” talent to know how much of a big miss he’ll be.
As mentioned, Peet also shed more light on Field, who dropped out with appendicitis last week and is himself set for around four to five weeks away.
For now, youngster Noah Hodkinson is being given the chance to fill the void and work his way into the first team after regularly impressing in the reserves.
Nevertheless, they could have really done with him ahead of their upcoming games.
Domestically, all three of Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and St Helens aren’t far behind them in the table, so it could prove to be a tasty remainder of the 2026 campaign.
You can watch the highlights from the result against Toulouse on Saturday, 7 March, here.
Danny Jones -
7th February 2024 
