"Since I'm in Korea, I'll treat you." Lee Kang-in's class is different: a grand welcome dinner for 80 people... even Atletico was moved.

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25), a key midfielder for the South Korean national team, held a grand welcome dinner shortly after joining his new club, Atletico Madrid in Spain.

Spanish media outlet DAZN reported on the 8th (Korea time) that "Lee Kang-in has already begun to make his presence felt at Atletico." It added, "He arranged a special event for his new teammates and coaching staff still staying in Seoul, inviting the entire Atletico squad to dinner."

Atletico also announced Lee Kang-in's dinner treat via its official website on the same day.

The club explained, "Lee Kang-in organized a dinner for the entire Atletico traveling party in Seoul. About 80 people attended, and it was a gesture of gratitude for being warmly welcomed from his first day as an Atletico player."

It was a massive gathering. Coaching staff including Diego Simeone, the Atletico manager, players, club employees, and others gathered together. According to Atletico, attendees experienced traditional Korean cuisine together. A released group photo after the meal shows they also took pictures at what appears to be a meat restaurant.

Earlier, on the 25th, Atletico officially announced Lee Kang-in's signing. The contract runs until June 2031. Lee was even assigned the number 7 jersey, symbolizing the team's ace. Local reports indicate the transfer fee is a base 35 million euros (approximately 58 billion won) with additional options attached.

Lee Kang-in made his professional debut in Valencia, Spain, then moved to Mallorca (Spain), and transferred to the world-renowned big club Paris Saint-Germain (France·PSG) in 2023. At PSG, he won multiple trophies including league titles and reached the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final twice. This summer, he joined Atletico for a new challenge.

Due to administrative reasons, Lee Kang-in had not been able to immediately join the Atletico squad and continued personal training in Korea. After Atletico arrived in Korea for its Seoul tour, he was finally able to meet manager Simeone and his new teammates in person.

Their first meeting was particularly special. DAZN noted, "When the Atletico squad arrived in Seoul, Lee Kang-in personally welcomed the team at the hotel." It added, "This was his first action showing his strong will to actively integrate as a member of the team from the very beginning."

It further explained, "Lee Kang-in also participated in his first training session as an Atletico player, receiving coaching directly from manager Simeone for the first time."

Now attention turns to Lee Kang-in's debut match for Atletico. Atletico will face Manchester City (England) at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 9th in the '2026 Coupang Play Series.' Lee is expected to make his Atletico debut in front of Korean football fans.

Prior to that, Lee Kang-in is scheduled to attend a pre-match press conference with manager Simeone at Mokdong Sports Complex on the 8th, where he will share his thoughts on joining Atletico and his resolve for the new season.

Interest from Korean football fans is also intense. DAZN stated, "Huge attention is being poured on Lee Kang-in in Korea." It added, "From Atletico's perspective, signing Lee Kang-in goes beyond mere squad strengthening; it significantly boosts the club's influence in the Asian market."

This enthusiasm was clearly reflected in jersey sales. The media reported that all 10,000 jerseys brought by Atletico for this Seoul tour were sold out.

It further noted, "Atletico will face Manchester City," and added, "This match could be the stage where Lee Kang-in makes his debut wearing an Atletico jersey."

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*This content was translated by AI.