After the final national team match in Korea this year, Hwang In-beom (Porto) was seen in tears, sparking speculation about his potential retirement from the national team. However, he firmly denied these rumors. Hwang explained that he experienced a mix of emotions, including a sense of responsibility and disappointment for not meeting expectations in the World Cup. He emphasized that he always approaches each national team call-up as if it could be his last.
On Tuesday, Hwang entered the friendly match against Uzbekistan at Yongin Mir Stadium at halftime, playing for 45 minutes. South Korea secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Son Heung-min and Oh Se-hoon.
Following the game, Hwang posed for a photo with his 1996-born teammates Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) before becoming visibly emotional.
In a post-match interview, Hwang reiterated that he always considers that each national team appearance could be his last.
Reflecting on his emotional response, Hwang referenced the recent World Cup.
He felt disappointed that it couldn’t achieve the goals in the last World Cup and didn’t perform to the potential. It all prepared diligently for four years, but the outcome was frustrating. He felt a deep sense of regret and responsibility, he explained.
Hwang added that he played without holding back today, and it was inspiring to see the younger players on the bench showcasing their best soccer. Experiencing these moments stirred up various emotions that he can’t fully articulate.
Hwang’s physical condition during this training camp also weighed heavily on his mind.
He revealed that he felt good physically when he joined the camp. Although he wasn’t at 100% due to playing mostly in the second half for his club, he had no issues until boarding the plane. However, his calves started swelling and causing pain during the flight.
He wanted to contribute to the team, but struggling with injuries and missing training led to a lot of self-reflection. With limited practice time, his performance in the match wasn’t up to par, and he felt ineffective, he admitted.
This isn’t the first time Hwang has shown his emotions during this camp. After the friendly against Venezuela on October 2, he became choked up, stating that he’s been with the national team for about nine years, and there are many aspects, including the soccer, that need to change. But it seems like it’s not making progress.
He also provided context for those earlier remarks.
Hwang expressed that he thinks it’s problematic that it might face a coaching change right before a major tournament like the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in January.”
He continued that he spoke about that situation somewhat vaguely and emotionally. He has apologized to the coaching staff and his teammates for that.
Now in his 30s, Hwang shared his perspective on his national team and professional career.
A wise player should know how to manage not only their national team career but also when to step away from playing altogether. It requires significant mental fortitude and advance preparation for the future, he stated.
When asked about his availability for the upcoming November international matches, Hwang replied that it is up to the coach to decide.
However, Hwang firmly dismissed rumors of his retirement from the national team.
After initially entering the locker room post-interview, Hwang returned to address reporters asking if he was retiring from the national team. With a laugh, he responded, no, before leaving the stadium.
A Korea Football Association official also confirmed that as the player stated in his interview, the retirement rumors are unfounded.
