Foden praises Lee Kang-in after their first match: 'He's a very good player'

Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the second match of the 2026 Coupang Play Series held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

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Lee Kang-in is a very good player. I feel he is still young and has a lot of room to develop.

The game was highly anticipated by Korean fans as it marked the unofficial debut of Lee Kang-in for his new club, Atletico Madrid. Lee, who transferred from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported 40 million euros, was given the symbolic No. 7 jersey. Over 50,000 spectators filled the stadium to support his new chapter.

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I hope Lee Kang-in has a successful career. I look forward to seeing what kind of games he will show in the future.

Phil Foden of Manchester City, who had previously stated he didn't know Lee Kang-in well, changed his tune after facing him on the pitch. "Lee Kang-in is a very good player. I feel he is still young and has a lot of room to develop," Foden commented after the match. He added, "I hope Lee Kang-in has a successful career. I look forward to seeing what kind of games he will show in the future."

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It's really amazing. The fans cheered a lot. Today the cheers seemed even louder.

Foden, who is one year older than Lee, has had a decorated career with Manchester City since his professional debut in 2017, accumulating numerous domestic and international titles. He expressed his enjoyment of the visit to Korea, noting the enthusiastic reception from the fans. Manchester City will begin their new season on August 16th against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield.

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I always enjoy coming to Korea.