Lee Kang-in treats Atlético teammates to Korean dinner in Seoul ahead of debut
The new Atlético de Madrid midfielder hosted the club’s full delegation for a Korean meal before Sunday’s preseason match against Manchester City in Seoul.
Atlético de Madrid delegation members pose for a photograph after dining out at a Korean food restaurant in Seoul in a photo distributed by the Spanish club on Aug. 8.ATLETICO DE MADRID
Atlético de Madrid's Lee Kang-in hosted a Korean dinner for his new teammates ahead of his first preseason match in Seoul, the Spanish club said Saturday.
The entire Atlético delegation — about 80 people — reportedly attended the dinner.
“Our second day of training camp in Seoul concluded with a dinner where everyone enjoyed a selection of traditional Korean cuisine,” the club said.
“The gathering was organized by Lee Kang-in, who played host to the entire Atlético delegation […], including players, coaching staff and club employees. Following the dinner, the squad returned to the team hotel to continue their preparations for Sunday's clash against Manchester City.”
A commemorative photo released by the club suggests the group dined at a Korean barbecue restaurant in Seoul.
“This demonstrates the humility and eagerness to adapt into the team, his desire to reciprocate the warmth he has received upon his arrival at Atlético and his wish to ensure everyone has fond memories of Korea by allowing them to experience traditional Korean cuisine,” Spanish media Marca reported.
Lee Kang-in, left, and Atlético de Madrid head coach Diego Simeone pose for photograph during a press conference held at Mokdong Stadium in western Seoul on Aug. 8.COUPANG PLAY
Lee joined the Spanish club in late July.
Atlético will face England’s Manchester City in a Coupang Play Series friendly at Seoul World Cup Stadium in western Seoul at 8 p.m. Sunday. The match is expected to mark Lee’s unofficial debut in his new colors in front of Korean fans.
“I’m a player who is constantly thinking about how to improve and is always hungry to get better,” Lee said. “I’ve continued to develop in every aspect, both at Paris Saint-Germain and with the Korean national team. I’ll be playing a different kind of football at my new club, but I’ll do everything I can to play the way the team and coach want.”
Lee stressed that he is eager to be a player who helps his team win.
“I have always wanted to win, in the past and now, and that’s why I came to this team,” he added. “I’ll give 120 percent and do everything I can to help the team and win.”
BY JUNG SI-NAE [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
