[Mokdong Field] Lee Kang-in rushed to fans after training ended... The ATM uniform, which dyed Seoul despite the scorching heat, even made Simeone smile

*This content was translated by AI.

Even record-breaking heat could not stop fans' support for Lee Kang-in (Atletico Madrid). Korean soccer fans wearing Atletico jerseys visited Mokdong Stadium to offer passionate cheers. After finishing open training, Lee Kang-in personally approached the fans who had waited for him and returned their enthusiasm by signing autographs.

On the 8th, ahead of two matches in the 2026 Coupang Play Series against Manchester City (England), Atletico held an official press conference and open training session at Seoul Mokdong Stadium.

Seoul was unbearably hot that day; even standing still caused sweat to pour down. Nevertheless, many soccer fans visited Mokdong Stadium to watch Atletico's training.

What stood out most were the Atletico jerseys. Fans wearing red-and-white striped uniforms could be easily spotted throughout the stands. With Lee Kang-in joining Atletico this summer, domestic fan interest surged instantly.

Earlier, on the 25th of last month, Atletico officially announced the signing of Lee Kang-in. The contract runs until June 2031. Lee Kang-in was also assigned the team's iconic number 7 jersey. According to local reports, 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 through Mallorca before joining the world-renowned big club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023. At PSG, he lifted numerous trophies including league titles and reached the UEFA Champions League (UCL) summit twice. This summer, he changed into an Atletico jersey to embark on another challenge.

During open training, fans' attention naturally focused on Lee Kang-in. Every time he showcased powerful shots, loud cheers erupted from the stands. He energetically ran across the field, joined in pressing, and made precise passes to teammates—actions that caught the eye.

After training concluded, Lee Kang-in continued his fan service. Instead of heading straight to the locker room, he walked toward the fans who had cheered throughout the open training alongside his teammates. He personally signed Atletico jerseys and other items held out by fans, expressing his gratitude. For fans who braved the scorching heat to visit the stadium and wait for Lee Kang-in, this was a special gift.

Atletico will face Manchester City in the 2026 Coupang Play Series match at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 9th. Lee Kang-in is also expected to make his Atletico debut before Korean soccer fans.

What makes this matchup even more interesting is the starkly different atmosphere compared to three years ago. In 2023, Atletico also visited Korea for the Coupang Play Series and played against Manchester City in Seoul. At that time's stadium, fans wearing Manchester City jerseys were far more visible than those in Atletico kits. Given that Manchester City is a global powerhouse in England's Premier League (EPL) and enjoys high popularity domestically, fan support leaned heavily toward them.

But this year, the atmosphere has changed. With Lee Kang-in's arrival, Atletico has risen to become the "national club."

Indeed, local Spanish reports stated that all 10,000 jerseys brought by Atletico for their Seoul tour were sold out. During open training, countless fans visited the stadium wearing Atletico jerseys, making the shift in status unmistakable.

Diego Simeone, Atletico's manager, also felt this change. At today's press conference, recalling his team's visit to Korea three years ago, he said, "I remember there were more fans wearing Manchester City jerseys back then."

He added with a smile, "This time, I hope there are more fans wearing Atletico jerseys. They are true Atletico fans."

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*This content was translated by AI.