Rain falls on Hwang Sun-hong as he prepares to face Thailand. Son Jun-ho, 32, has finally been released from detention in China.

"He had already been released from the detention center last week," an official familiar with Chinese soccer told OSEN by phone on Friday (Feb. 25), adding, "He was released from the detention center and finally returned to South Korea after completing various procedures and probation."

The Qatar World Cup player was detained by police in China's Liaoning province on May 12 last year. Son, who had returned to Shandong after the World Cup in Qatar, was detained on suspicion of accepting bribes. Some Chinese media outlets reported that he could face up to five years in prison.

Even the Korean Football Association has tried to resolve the situation, but to no avail. There is no clear reason for his detention. His family was unable to contact him to see how he was doing.

The nearly year-long case of Junho Son has been dramatically resolved. The details of the case remain unclear. The Korean Football Association is expected to make an official announcement soon.

The release of Son is good news for the national team ahead of the Thailand match. Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, and 토토사이트 Kim Jin-soo, the mainstays of the 92 line, have been anxiously awaiting the release of their "friend.

Lee Jae-sung said, "Junho and I are friends. It's a news that not only me but also many people have been waiting for. I've been playing soccer with Junho since I was a kid for a long time. When I heard the news (of his detention) a year ago, it was heartbreaking and difficult," he confessed.

Son Jun-ho is now free. With a lighter heart, the team can focus on the must-win game against Thailand. Lee Jae-sung said, "I'm grateful to hear the good news before the game. We don't know the details of what happened to Junho, but all the players prayed. I'm grateful to hear the good news. (We will support and cheer for him to play his favorite soccer as soon as possible," he smiled brightly.