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South Korean-born footballer Song Uiyoung has been naturalised as a Singapore citizen.
The news was announced by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) over the weekend on Aug. 21 in a Facebook post.
"Adapted and assimilated well"
FAS General Secretary Yazeen Buhari said that Song has "adapted and assimilated well since arriving in 2012 and has made Singapore his home for the last nine years".
"Throughout this time, he has continuously displayed an esteemed character of respect, commitment to excellence, and passion for the local game," Yazeen said.
Via Song Uiyoung/FB
The 27-year-old became a permanent resident in May 2020 on his third attempt, CNA reported.
He is also the first footballer to become a naturalised Singaporean since Qiu Li, a China-born footballer who was naturalised in 2010 under the Foreign Talent Scheme.
"Biggest milestone"
In a Facebook post on Aug. 21, Song said that this is the "biggest milestone" of his life, and promised to "give (his) best to be an asset to our country".
His post also said that he would be watching the National Day Parade — as he has, "many times", in the past 10 years that has lived in Singapore.
Via Song Uiyoung/FB
Singapore is the first country that Song has played in professionally.
Song came to Singapore as a teenager, and spent his 20s in Singapore "growing up as a person and footballer".
In a 2019 interview, Song explained that his coach in South Korea knew Lee Lim Saeng, who was the Home United coach back then.
Song was recommended to Lee, who was then asked to play in the reserve Prime League.
Fast forward many years later, and the striker-turned-midfielder has carved out a reputation for himself in the local football scene.
He currently plays for the Lion City Sailors.
"I came to Singapore looking to join Home United, but instead found a home," he said.
Top photo via Song Uiyoung/FB.