Dubai: Jeonbuk Motors forward Lee Dong-guk needs no extra motivation for today's second leg of the AFC Champions League (ACL) final against UAE's Al Ain. At 37, he knows this could the last time he plays for the region's top club prize.
Lee, who won the tournament's predecessor with Pohang in 1998, joined Jeonbuk in 2009 and had the chance to win the ACL two years later on home soil but lost a one-off final to Qatar's Al Saad on penalties.
Lee was that tournament's top scorer and MVP but said winning individual honours would mean nothing at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today if Jeonbuk did not lift the cup.
"Young players will have many opportunities to win this title but not me," he said.
"I'm preparing for tomorrow's match as if it's my last chance to win the ACL title.
"My personal goal scoring record is important, but if I can just score for my team in the final, it will be very meaningful."
Manager Choi Kang-hee, who led Jeonbuk to AFC glory in 2006 and is currently on his second stint with Jeonbuk, has mostly used Lee as a substitute in recent matches, favouring Kim Shin-wook over the former Weder Bremen and Middlesbrough player.
