NFL superstar Hines Ward came to San Diego, California to root for the Korean baseball team in their semifinal game with Japan on Sunday.

Ward, the most valuable player of the NFL's 2006 season, met with Korean pitcher Park Chan-ho at Petco Park, where the Korean baseball team played against Japan.

Park introduced Ward to Kim In-sik, the manager of the Korean team. Other Korean players also welcomed Ward, who mother is a Korean-American.

"I watched the Korean team play against the United States and Japan. When they won, I was happier than my mother," Ward said, displaying his deep love for his mother’s country.

"I know a lot of Koreans are playing in the Major Leagues, including Park Chan-ho, Kim Byung-hyun and Choi Hee-sup. Today, I came to Petco Park because Park invited me here."

Meanwhile, Ward plans to visit Korea with his mother in early April. He is expected to have a busy schedule in Korea, including a meeting with President Roh Moo-hyun.