Lee Kang-in made his first appearance in front of Korean fans since his high-profile move to Atletico Madrid in Spain’s La Liga.
On August 8, Lee joined Atletico Madrid’s head coach Diego Simeone at a press conference for the 2026 Coupang Play Series at Mokdong Stadium in Seoul. The rising star shared his thoughts on the transfer and his aspirations for the upcoming season.
When asked about his decision to join Atletico Madrid, Lee said that he felt a genuine desire from Coach Simeone and the club to have him on board. Lee has been watching Atletico Madrid since he was young. It’s a prestigious club with a rich history, and he’s thrilled to be part of it now.
Following the press conference, Lee hit the field with his new teammates for his inaugural public training session in front of eager Korean fans.
Despite the scorching heat of 32°C (about 89.6°F), fans packed Mokdong Stadium to catch a glimpse of Lee and Atletico Madrid. The atmosphere was electric as supporters belted out club chants and cheered, giving Lee a warm welcome as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.
Atletico Madrid conducted a 50-minute training session to gauge the team’s fitness levels. Lee used this opportunity to build chemistry with his new teammates as he prepares for his debut.
The Spanish giants are set to face Premier League champions Manchester City in a friendly match as part of the 2026 Coupang Play Series. The game is scheduled for August 9 at 8:00 p.m. (Korean time) at Seoul World Cup Stadium, where Lee is expected to make his much-anticipated debut for Atletico Madrid.
