Sabah's beloved ‘Pak Karim' moves on after seven years
Perak's Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi (right) tries to get the ball from Sabah's Park Tae-su during their match at the Likas Stadium.
PETALING JAYA: After seven unforgettable years, Park Tae-su is bidding farewell to Sabah.
The beloved South Korean defender announced his departure from the club in a heartfelt message, though he did not reveal what lies ahead in his footballing journey.
At 35, Tae-su has been more than just a player for the Rhinos – he has been a pillar of strength and a fan favourite, affectionately nicknamed 'Pak Karim' by supporters who flocked to see him at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu.
This season was one of the most challenging of his career as injuries limited him to just 17 appearances across all competitions.
Yet in seasons past, Tae-su was a cornerstone of Sabah's defence – known for his fierce tackles, intelligent interceptions, and a surprising flair for scoring, especially from set-pieces and long-range efforts.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Tae-su expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as one of Sabah's longest-serving import players.
'As a foreign player, lasting seven years with one team is something truly special,' said Tae-su, who joined Sabah from Korean club Hwaseong in 2018.
'It's not just a football journey, it's been a life journey. I arrived in Malaysia knowing no one and barely speaking the language. Everything felt foreign, but here, I found family. I found a second home.'
He reminisced about the highs and lows – the sweat, the struggles, the victories, and the defeats – all of which helped him grow as both a footballer and a person.
'This season tested me,' he admitted.
'Injuries took away so many chances. I couldn't perform the way I wanted to. But I never stood alone.'
He reserved his most emotional words for the Sabah fans, whose unwavering support carried him through tough times.
'I got back up because of you. Because of your endless support, your faith in me. Players come and go. Owners change. But true Sabah supporters stand firm. You're more than fans – you're the heartbeat of my fight. The family that never turned away.''
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