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"High Expectations" Lee Kang-in: "I Came Here with Ambitions to Win Championships"

Ha Seong-nyong

Published : Aug 18, 2026 9:09 PM

Video

[Anchor]

Lee Kang-in, who joined Atletico Madrid, has held yet another welcoming ceremony locally. Reflecting the club's high expectations, Lee emphasized his burning desire to win championships.

Reporter Ha Seong-nyong has the details.

[Reporter]

After first meeting his Atletico Madrid teammates in Korea and announcing an energetic new start in front of domestic fans, Lee stood before local fans dressed in a sleek suit.

In an unusual move, President Enrique Cerezo, who hosted two separate welcoming ceremonies, warmly welcomed Lee as the new owner of the number 7 jersey previously worn by club legend Antoine Griezmann.

[Enrique Cerezo / President, Atletico Madrid: I believe Lee Kang-in will play a core role in our team and make the fans truly happy.]

Lee shared his bold aspirations, mentioning "championships" multiple times.

[Lee Kang-in / Midfielder, Atletico Madrid: I came here with the ambition to help the team win titles and to win championships in every competition.]

The club broadcasted the welcoming ceremony live with simultaneous Korean interpretation, and Lee himself showed consideration for domestic fans by conducting a significant portion of it in Korean.

[Lee Kang-in / Midfielder, Atletico Madrid: I think I need to work hard so that Atletico Madrid can become a football team with a huge fan base in Korea.]

Having smoothly integrated into the team thanks to a special bond with "one-club man" and captain Koke,

[Lee Kang-in / Midfielder, Atletico Madrid: Koke reached out to me and said, "It is such a great club, and it would be wonderful if you came." Since he is truly a legendary player I have watched since I was 10 years old, I think I will have so much to learn by his side.]

Lee is preparing for the new season while receiving high expectations from all around.

(Video Editing: Ha Seong-won, Video Source: Atletico Madrid YouTube)