Speaking to North Korea star Jong Tae Se

My work here at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup is not centred about Team India, but rather numerous national sides and the first impressions of Qatar after being named 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts for Deutsche Welle radio

Yesterday I was at the Iran vs North Korea for my Farsi language colleagues to get quotes from the Iranians and I had hoped to also get a chance to speak to North Korean star striker Jong Tae Se, who now plays for German 2.Bundesliga club VfL Bochum and the "Rooney of Asia" has made a big impact since joining the club.

Now I was worried if the North Koreans would allow their players to speak, but journalist colleagues have said that the team management of North Korea has learned a lot from the 2010 FIFA World Cup and their senior/star players were now approachable.

So after speaking to Iran captain Nekonam, Jong Tae Se walked towards me and when I asked him if I could speak in German with him he happily obliged especially after I told him that his club Bochum back in Germany had beaten 1860 Munich 3-1. He wanted infos from me on who scored the goals and who played upfront; but I didn't have those infos and couldn't help him.

But in the end Tae Se said, if you want any infos on us or speak to me, let me know. And that is always good to see that players remain down to earth.