Swansea City star Ki Sung-Yueng reflects on best season of his career

25th June

Ki Sung-Yueng has underlined the key role Swans manager Garry Monk played in the best season of his career.
The South Korean returned to the Liberty last summer following a successful spell on loan with fellow Barclays Premier League club Sunderland
And the midfielder made a major impact under Monk, with his performances seeing the midfielder named Supporters' Player of the Year at the club's end-of-season awards night during a campaign in which the Swans broke their points record and best finish in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old, who was also named captain of his country for the Asian Cup in Australia last January, recorded a career-best eight goals during the campaign which included strikes in the home and away victories over Manchester United.
His tally meant he broke the record for most goals in a single Premier League season by a South Korean.
And Ki, speaking in the Swans' seasonal review DVD Record Breakers: History Makers, said Monk played a pivotal role in his memorable campaign.



"When I came back to Swansea last summer I wasn't too sure about my future," he admitted.
"But I met up with Garry and he explained what he was planning for the season and how important I was in that. It was a very honest conversation, and I decided to stay here and continue my career here.
"I signed a new four-year deal last summer and that showed Swansea had a lot of respect for me. Knowing that the club and manager wanted me made my decision.
"Garry manages the team very well. He's a good friend and a very good manager. Garry has given me a lot of confidence in my own game, and I think I've shown that on the pitch.
"I've got forward a lot more and that's resulted in me getting a lot more goals. I think I can safely say it was the best season I've had in my career so far."
With the Swans breaking numerous club records during a memorable campaign, for Ki the league double over Manchester United was the standout success.
He said: "Scoring on the opening day of the season against Manchester United was the biggest goal of my career.
"We weren't given much of a chance to win by the pundits, especially as it was (Louis) Van Gaal's first game in charge.
"It was my first Swansea goal, and it was a very special moment and I was keen to celebrate to the Swansea fans and my wife as she was in the crowd that day.
"Scoring against them at the Liberty in another win was the most unforgettable moment of my career. It was a fantastic moment for the fans, the club and myself.
"It is a moment I will remember long after I retire from football."

Pre-order Record Breakers: History Makers today to get the DVD at a special price of just £9.99 - which includes FREE dey within the UK - instead of £11.99.
Click HERE to order your copy (UK pre-orders are expected to be delivered on Saturday).
The DVD will be on sale in the Club Shop on Saturday, with the Swans' new away kit also available on the same day.


LINK: Monk's praise for latest arrival

LINK: Swans switch is perfect present for birthday boy Kristoffer

LINK: Buy the new Swans away kit - available on Saturday

LINK: Win a signed new Swans away shirt and Chelsea tickets