Jesse Lingard’s FC Seoul home debut sets a new K League attendance record as fans queue in numbers to buy his club merchandise before kick-off

Jesse Lingard’s home debut for FC Seoul has set a new K League attendance record.

The 31-year-old completed a surprise move to the South Korean club last month after being released from his contract with Nottingham Forest at the end of last season.

Lingard’s arrival created huge excitement ahead of his home debut against Incheon United on Sunday.

Ahead of the match, a ‘Lingard Zone’ was set up outside the stadium so fans can get their hands on the former Manchester United striker’s FC Seoul merchandise.

A huge crowd of 51,670 people gathered at the Seoul World Cup Stadium to catch a glimpse of Lingard in the Gyeongin Derby, setting a new attendance record in the K League.

The former Man United striker came off the bench after half an hour and was warmly received

But they had to wait as he started again on the bench, having done the same last weekend before receiving a chorus of boos.

Lingard entered the field when he replaced Takuya Shigehiro after the half hour to a warm reception.

The match finished 0–0, but the striker had a chance to get on the scoresheet in the 83rd minute, but could only fire his effort over the bar.

After the match, Lingard said: ‘I probably should have won in the end. I had a few half chances.

‘Not enough clear chances, but I think we can build on this. I think it’s all about the mentality and confidence in these games.

Fans lined up before kick-off to get their hands on Lingard’s FC Seoul merchandise

‘In front of a big crowd, first home game – great support all round.

“Maybe we should have finished our chances.”