Lee Kang-in: 'Happy to Join Atletico, Will Play for the Team'

Lee Kang-in, a key player for the South Korean men's national football team, has voiced his determination to contribute to Atletico Madrid, his new club in Spain's La Liga. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 2026 Coupang Play Series match against Manchester City, Lee shared his feelings about the move.

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I've watched Atletico Madrid for a long time and knew what a good and big club it is. I am happy to be able to come here.

"I had a good experience at PSG," Lee said. "At 22, moving to a great club, meeting wonderful people and teammates allowed me to develop personally over three years. I've watched Atletico Madrid for a long time and knew what a good and big club it is. I am happy to be able to come here."

He explained that the strongest pull towards Atletico was the clear desire shown by both the coach and the club. "They are a very good team that reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals last season and competes for the league title every year," Lee added. "I believe that by coming here, I can work harder, develop further, and help the team achieve good results and win many trophies."

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The strongest pull towards Atletico was the clear desire shown by both the coach and the club.

Lee will inherit the iconic number 7 jersey, once worn by Atletico legend Antoine Griezmann. However, he downplayed the significance of the number itself. "I know there have been many legends and great players who wore number 7," he stated. "But rather than thinking about that, I focus on developing day by day and figuring out how I can help the team. A player's role is to help the team, not to overthink the meaning of a number. I will help the team 120%."

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But rather than thinking about that, I focus on developing day by day and figuring out how I can help the team. A player's role is to help the team, not to overthink the meaning of a number. I will help the team 120%.

This transfer marks Lee's return to Spain's La Liga after three years, having previously played for Valencia and Mallorca after coming through Valencia's youth system. He believes his time at PSG, working with talented players and staff, has been instrumental in his overall development. "At Atletico, I will play a different style of football than at PSG, according to the coach and the team's needs," Lee emphasized. "I will do my best to help wherever the team and coach want me to. I will give not 100%, but 120% to win."

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I will give not 100%, but 120% to win.