Lee Kang-in, Finally Embraced by Simeone! First Meeting After ATM Transfer... Preparing for Match Against Manchester City on the 9th: "Debut in My Homeland Is Special"

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25), who transferred to Spanish club Atlético Madrid, has finally reunited fully with his new team.

Atlético is scheduled to play a friendly match against Manchester City at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 9th as part of the '2026 Coupang Play Series'.

The Atlético squad arrived in South Korea via Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 6th and settled into their accommodation in Seoul. Lee Kang-in, who had been waiting at his hotel, met for the first time with new teammates including manager Diego Simeone.

Originally, Lee Kang-in was expected to join the team in Spain following his official signing announcement on the 25th of last month, but his departure was delayed due to administrative procedures such as documentation from the Military Manpower Administration. Instead, he remained in Korea and underwent three weeks of high-intensity individual training under coaching staff dispatched by FC Seoul at Guri GS Champions Park.

According to Spain's 'Marca', Lee Kang-in will begin full participation starting with his first team training session on the 7th. On the 8th, he is set to attend a pre-match official press conference alongside manager Simeone, and is expected to make his unofficial debut for Atlético in the match against Manchester City on the 9th, wearing the club's jersey.

Regarding his playing time, 'The Athletic' predicted that "manager Simeone may bring Lee Kang-in on for a few minutes as part of managing player workloads." In contrast, 'Marca' suggested that since Lee has already achieved peak physical condition, there is also a possibility he could play a significant portion of the match.

Local Spanish media outlets have expressed high expectations and positive evaluations. 'Mundo Deportivo' stated that "after three years of effort starting from January 2023, Atlético Madrid has reaped the fruits of acquiring Lee Kang-in, who will add destructive power to their attack." The outlet also named Lee as the successor to Antoine Griezmann, a former symbol of the club, and reported that jersey sales since his signing announcement have reached three to four times the level seen during Griezmann's final season with Atlético.

Through the club, Lee Kang-in said, "I am highly competitive and will continue to work hard to develop further in order to achieve the team's goals." He added, "It is truly special to play my first match for a new team in my homeland, Korea," reaffirming his strong determination ahead of the new season.

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*This content was translated by AI.