Military man Ki close to full Swansea fitness

Ki Sung-Yueng may have spent four weeks completing mandatory military service in his native South Korea this summer, but admits he is only now up to full fitness.

The Swansea City midfielder spent a month training as a solider, learning how to deal with chemical attacks and how to use weapons.

But he missed all of Swansea’s pre-season programme, as well as the opening day victory at Hull City, and only played 90 minutes for the first time this season against Chelsea on Sunday.

The 27-year-old admits it was tough to adjust back to training, but is now focused on establishing himself as a key player in Francesco Guidolin’s side.

“For a month I wasn’t a footballer, I was a soldier,” he said.

Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images

“It was a totally different kind of training in the military. I can’t say it has helped my fitness because it is totally different.

“I had a lack of match fitness when I returned as I hadn’t done any pre-season, so it was tough getting back into the football side of things.

“I have had to build my match sharpness and fitness up, which obviously comes with training and playing in games.

“I went away with the national team recently for important qualifying matches and my body wasn’t in 100 per cent physical condition, but I am the captain so I had to lead my country.

“But playing the full game against Chelsea was a good step forward for me. I can feel my body is getting stronger and stronger. I am almost where I need to be.”