Ahn's Italian dream ends with goal

SOUTH KOREAN hero Ahn Jung-hwan may have put his team through to the World Cup quarter finals at the expense of Italy - but his Golden Goal appears to have put the final nail in his Serie A career.

His club Perugia look unlikely to take out their option on signing the player, who left the entire Italian nation in shock by grabbing a goal that sent another footballing superpower home early.

Ahn's future at Perugia was never certain after a mixed season - but an element of bitterness from coach Serse Cosmi, as well as the timing of his announcement, indicate that the South Korean is being blamed for his brilliance.

"The whole game was a disgrace and a very black day for football," Cosmi said.

"Fifa want to promote football in Asia, but in truth this match was a message that young people should pick another sport.

"Ahn did his duty today and is not to blame for what happened, but we must give a signal in favour of Italian football.

"I prefer to play local lad Fabio Gatti from next season."