[On-site Interview] "ATM truly wanted me" — Lee Kang-in reveals reason for transfer... "I will give 120% for the team"

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25), the "ace" of the South Korean national football team, has appeared before Korean football fans as a player for Atlético Madrid. Regarding his new challenge, he expressed his excitement: "I know how big and great a club Atlético is. I am so happy to have come here."

On the 8th, Lee Kang-in attended the pre-match press conference for the two matches of the '2026 Coupang Play Series' held at Seoul Mokdong Stadium against Manchester City (England). Diego Simeone, who will soon be leading Lee Kang-in, was also present at the event.

First, Lee Kang-in reflected on his three years with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He said, "I am very grateful. Above all, I had truly wonderful experiences at PSG." He added, "Personally, it was a three-year period in which I could grow by joining a great club at the age of 22 and meeting excellent people and teammates."

He continued, "Atlético is a club I have followed since childhood. Knowing how big and great this club is, I am so happy to be here," sharing his thoughts on the transfer.

The biggest reason that moved Lee Kang-in was Atlético's proactive pursuit. He stated, "What moved me most was that both Manager Simeone and the club clearly showed they wanted me. That was the most significant factor."

He further explained, "Atlético is truly an excellent team. They reached the UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-finals last season and compete for the league title every year. I want to work harder, develop, and achieve good results. I chose to join Atlético because I believe we can lift many trophies in the future."

Earlier, on the 25th of last month, Atlético officially announced the signing of Lee Kang-in. The contract runs until June 2031. Lee Kang-in was also assigned the number 7 jersey, which symbolizes the team's ace. According to local reports, the transfer fee is a base 35 million euros (approximately 58 billion won) with additional options.

Lee Kang-in made his professional debut in Valencia, Spain, and after playing for Mallorca, he transferred to the world-renowned big club PSG in 2023. At PSG, he lifted several trophies, including a league title, and reached the UCL summit twice. This summer, he switched to an Atlético jersey and embarked on yet another new challenge.

In particular, the number 7 holds special significance. It was the number worn until last season by Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City), a legend of Atlético.

However, Lee Kang-in focused more on his role within the team than on the symbolism of the number. He said, "I know there have been many legends and excellent players who wore the number 7," but added, "Rather than that, I am thinking from the start about how I can help the team as much as possible."

He continued, "What I always think about is developing as a player and helping the team every single day. I do not place great significance on external factors like this," he emphasized.

When asked similar questions by local Spanish reporters, Lee Kang-in conveyed the same message again. He stated, "I know what meaning the number 7 carries. It is a number worn by many legends and high-level players." However, he added, "Rather than attaching too much significance to the number, I believe a player must be able to help the team. I will give my full 120% to support the team," he said with determination.

He also explained his growth at PSG. Lee Kang-in said, "I believe I would have tried to develop regardless of which club I joined." He added, "In the national team, I am always trying to grow while playing with excellent teammates, and I continue to think about how to show better performances both personally and for the team. I consider myself a player who is very eager in that regard."

He then expressed gratitude: "At PSG, I met wonderful managers and players and lived together, allowing me to develop in every aspect."

Now, he must adapt to Simeone's style of football. Lee Kang-in said, "I will play a different style of football compared to PSG," but pledged, "I will do my best to play the kind of football that Manager Simeone wants."

For Lee Kang-in, who grew up in Spain since childhood, joining the formidable Atlético is even more special. He stated, "Atlético has always been a team fighting for victory, both in the past and now," and emphasized, "I will give not 100%, but 120% to help the team."

He continued, "Because it is the club Atlético itself, this transfer holds great significance. I have watched them since I was very young. The players are united as one family and a collective, achieving important results together," he explained.

He added, "I also want to join them and achieve the results the club desires together."

Due to administrative issues, Lee Kang-in has not yet been able to immediately join the Atlético squad and has continued individual training in Korea. After Atlético arrived in Korea for their Seoul tour, he was finally able to meet Manager Simeone and his new teammates in person.

After concluding this Korea tour, he will return to Spain to begin his official new chapter. He also awaits his first meeting with Atlético fans and the official signing ceremony.

Lee Kang-in said, "I have seen many times that Atlético fans are at the world's highest level. I am very excited and look forward to it." He added, "What I want to show is ultimately helping the team. I want to become a player who can bring joy to the fans as well."

Attention now turns to Lee Kang-in's debut match for Atlético. Atlético will face Manchester City in the '2026 Coupang Play Series' at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 9th. It is expected that Lee Kang-in will make his Atlético debut before Korean football fans.

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*This content was translated by AI.