In a revealing column for the Times, former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard discussed the challenges he faced during his time at Nottingham Forest, touching on injury issues and the club’s battle with Premier League profitability and sustainability rules (PSR). Lingard also shared the subsequent journey that led him to South Korea to join FC Seoul, where he is currently rediscovering his form.
Jesse Lingard said, “Let’s start with my last stint in the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest. I loved the club and their supporters, but when I joined after their promotion in 2022 it was on a one-year contract where the appearance bonuses were high. Forest ended up with worries about the league’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) and, as the season wore on, a need to limit spending and those bonuses may have been why I didn’t get on the pitch in certain games. But I also had a difficult time physically. For pretty much the entire season, I suffered severe tendinitis in my knees and Achilles tendon. Sometimes I played in pain and other times I was just too sore to play at all.”
Reflecting on a personal break after departing Forest, Lingard shared insights into his family commitments during that period.
Jesse Lingard said, “After leaving Forest, I took time out to look after my family with my nan, Pamela, falling ill before she died in November. It was vital I looked after them and my grandad, Ken. They both looked after me during large parts of my childhood. Over the course of last summer, she became really poorly. She was in and out of hospital and though I was training hard and missed being at a club, it felt like being out of contract was God’s plan: I’m not going to give you a team right now, you need to stay home and be with your family. So that’s what I did. I spent as much time as I could with them and in November, when Nan passed away, Grandad took it really hard. He was depressed and suffering dizzy spells and was hospitalised himself. He needed looking after too, and there was the funeral to organise and a speech to give. I believe things happen for a reason and that, while my family was suffering, it was just written for me to take a break from playing.”
Lingard’s journey reflects a mix of professional challenges and personal dedication, showcasing his resilience both on and off the field. Recently, Lingard has found a new lease of life with FC Seoul, scoring in a K League clash against Gwangju and helping his team in the title race.
