'Atletico Transfer' Lee Kang-in Mentioned by Ki Sung-yueng: "Will Play More Matches... Want to Cheer Directly at the Venue" [Sangam Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Veteran midfielder Ki Sung-yueng (37, Pohang Steelers), who has anchored Team K-League, offered warm advice to his younger teammates after facing Manchester City.

On the 5th, Ki Sung-yueng was substituted in at the start of the second half during the first match of the 2026 Coupang Play Series against Man City at Seoul World Cup Stadium and played on the field.

In an interview with reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Ki Sung-yueng said, "I think it was probably the hottest day while playing soccer," adding, "I sweated so much. The opposing Man City players must have been physically exhausted as well." He shared his impressions of the game played under scorching heat.

Regarding his feelings about facing Man City again after a long time, he gave a thumbs-up. Ki Sung-yueng, who has spent many years on the English Premier League (EPL) stage, stated, "They are still the world's top team. Even when I was acting in the UK before, matches against Man City were always difficult." He continued, "Man City players were excellent as expected, and Team K-League must have experienced high-quality play while facing world-class players and learned a lot. It was good training and experience for both teams."

When asked why he did not exchange jerseys with the opposing player, Ki Sung-yueng revealed his special affection for Team K-League. He said, "The Team K-League jersey itself is very precious to me," and added with a smile, "If I exchanged it, I would have one less of my own jersey, so I decided to keep it instead."

Regarding Lee Seung-woo's comment that "It might have been my last game playing alongside (Ki) Sung-yueng, so I felt sad," Ki Sung-yueng replied, "I first met Seung-woo on the national team and built good memories together; we are also very close personally." He added, "Actually, since our clubs were different, we didn't have opportunities to train or play together. But spending two days and one night living with Team K-League allowed us to share many conversations and insights, making it a truly enjoyable time."

He did not forget to offer affectionate advice to promising young players of Team K-League. Especially regarding Son Jeong-beom, the youngest player on Team K-League and a top prospect from his former club Seoul, he said, "You must have felt many things while playing the match. To grow to world-class levels, you will realize that you need to strive for higher ground rather than settling in the K-League. This matchup will surely serve as great motivation for young players."

Recently, he also expressed expectations for his younger teammate Lee Kang-in, who is set to join Atletico Madrid. Ki Sung-yueng said, "As a player raised in Spain, it is a stage where he can adapt more easily. Since he has been transferred with good treatment, I believe he will play in more matches." He added, "Kang-in already possesses excellent skills and is in his prime years when he should be playing as a regular starter. The second match against Man City scheduled for the 9th will likely be Lee Kang-in's first game. If given the chance, I want to go directly to the venue to cheer for him."

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*This content was translated by AI.