Now that I'm getting older.... "The fans' support gave me the strength to hold on. One percent hope, I won't give up."

Tears filled the eyes of Lee Myung-joo, the captain of Incheon United, who faced a hot cheering song instead of a fierce rebuke from home fans even after losing the first game of the final round, and his voice trembled.

Incheon, the lowest in professional football, lost 1-2 to Jeju United in the 34th round of Hana Bank K League 1 2024 at Incheon Football Stadium on the 19th.안전놀이터

In order to avoid automatic relegation, Incheon desperately needed to win the first game of the final round, but in the 42nd minute of the second half, he allowed the winning goal to Lee Chul-ro and knelt down.

In the first game of the final round at home, Incheon overwhelmed Jeju in attack indicators such as shooting (17-6) and effective shooting (13-4), but failed to earn a point.

As the gap widened to five points with 11th place (37 points in North Jeolla Province), the grim energy of the relegation intensified.

The Incheon team, which knocked on Jeju's goal throughout the game but failed to bring a victory, bowed its head and approached Incheon fans shortly after the referee's whistle to announce the end of the game.

It was none other than the generous applause and cheering of the fans that welcomed the team who took heavy steps like sinners.

Despite not winning the game to win, fans pumped up courage into the team by showing a "Don't be afraid of yourself" instead of rebuking, and sang "Incheon is My Pride" at the top of their lungs.

The team lined up in front of the fans was listening to the fans' songs that continued for a while

Captain Lee Myung-joo, who met at the mixed zone (joint coverage area) after the game, choked up looking back at the scene.

"I'm so grateful. Actually...."

Lee Myung-joo couldn't speak for a moment because of her overwhelming emotions.

Soon, Lee Myung-joo, who took off her lips with a trembling voice, said, "All the members of Incheon could have been afraid and tired, but the support gave me the strength to endure."

Lee Myung-joo, who said he "didn't expect at all" that fans would receive the team with cheers and applause after the game, said, "There was a regretful mistake because it was an important game, but the players didn't give up and did their best until the end. I have no regrets, but I still have regrets."

Now there are only four chances left in Incheon.

The 7th-ranked Gwangju FC (44 points) will be called home on the 27th to play 35 rounds, and the 11th-ranked Jeonbuk, 10th-ranked Daejeon Hana Citizen (38 points), and 9th-ranked Daegu FC (39 points) will face off in order next month.

Lee Myung-joo said, "The director told me not to give up because I still have 1% of hope. I will do my best to prepare."