Former Arsenal striker signs with Saudi Arabia

“Forgotten striker” Park Chu-young, who was looking for a team after he was dropped by Arsenal of the English Premier League in the past offseason, has found a new home.

Al Shabab FC of Saudi Arabia said yesterday it has signed the 30-year-old to a one-year deal. No details were revealed, but sources said he will receive about $1.5 million in the next eight months, about a fifth of his annual salary at Arsenal.

Established in 1947, Al Shabab is one of the most prestigious clubs in Saudi Arabia, along with Al Hilal FC and Al Ittihad FC, and is currently fourth in their league with 16 points.

The club won the league title six times and its best performance in the Asian Football Confederation’s Champions League was a semifinal appearance in 2010. Al Shabab FC will compete in next season’s AFC Champions League.

By Kwon Sang-Soo