South Korea international Koo Ja-Cheol says his loan stint at Augsburg has been a huge boost for his career but remains uncertain on his future despite the Bundesliga club wanting to sign him permanently.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed a stellar second half of the season with Augsburg after joining the Bavarian outfit on loan from Wolfsburg.
Koo had struggled for regular first-team opportunities in the first half of the 2011-12 campaign, before his Augsburg stint where he played a huge part in helping the club avoid the drop, netting five goals in 15 games under Jos Luhukay.
"After going to Augsburg, the coach acknowledged my talent and had belief in me," Koo told reporters at a press conference in southern Seoul after returning home following the completion of the Bundesliga season.
The former Jeju United man, who was the K-League's top assistor in 2010, added: "I wanted to play like I did in the K-League, and I think playing with Augsburg has provided me a stepping stone."
He continued: "I know my season with Wolfsburg didn’t start well, but I learned a lot of things through that experience.
"I always played with the mindset that I will smile when I go back to my country. I feel appreciated since I was able to take advantage of the opportunities that came to me."
However, despite his success in Bavaria, Koo revealed he remains undecided about his future, with Augsburg, Wolfsburg and an unnamed third club interested in him for next term.
"I know Augsburg wants to sign me in a permanent transfer while Wolfsburg wants me to come back and prepare for next season with them," Koo said.
"I also heard there is a third club that wants to sign me. But I haven’t yet confirmed my future and I need some time to think about it."
In the short term, Koo was looking forward to the May 30 friendly between Spain and South Korea which will take place in Switzerland, with the youngster hoping to score against the world and European champions.
"In the K-League, I was the top player in assists. But now I score more goals than assists. I now have the desire and the confidence to score goals," he said.
"I want to score against Spain and in matches like the final round of the World Cup qualifiers. I think the opportunities will come."
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