The first press conference of Atlético de Madrid’s 2026/27 season took place in South Korea on Saturday, before Atlético take on Manchester City in a pre-season friendly.
While much attention was on new signing Kang-in Lee in his home country, there were inevitably questions about the future of star striker Julián Alvarez — to which Diego Simeone responded clearly.
“The situation is very clear. The club made a decision that Miguel Ángel (Gil Marín) explained very well,” he said. “We’re very happy with
Julián, and from a sports perspective, we’ll help him continue to grow, continue to improve, and give us again what he’s given us over these past two years, which was a lot.”
Diego Simeone on handling the situation with Julián
“We’ve been through this before, we saw what happened with Griezmann. I don’t see any other way forward than to focus on the sporting side of things, as is our duty, and try to help him just as we have over the past two years.”
Simeone on Kang-in Lee
“You’ve already seen how he’s spoken to the media. Kang-in Lee will help us, and we hope to help him grow and that he’ll continue to contribute. We can bring out the best in him to make him an even better player than he already is.”
Simeone on Kang-in’s best position
“I always think it’s better to have players here in person, it’s not the same as watching them on TV or in videos. By seeing him up close, we’ll be able to place him where he can play his best and help the team.”
Simeone on Kang-in’s arrival
“His arrival is going to help us. He’s eager to help the team. We hope to help him grow, improve, and continue to develop because he’s young, which will allow us to get even more out of him and make him an even better player than he already is. It was a very nice gesture of his to invite the entire roster and staff to share a wonderful evening together. It helped us get to know each other better. Kang-in Lee is a noble, humble, and hardworking person. Just the kind of player Atlético Madrid needs.”
Simeone on other signings
“All three are players the team needed. Each of them, with their own strengths, will help us, and we’ll work with them to ensure they continue to grow. Even though (Álex) Grimaldo is older, there’s always room to grow. When I’ve spoken with him, I’ve sensed a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, just as (Morten) Hjulmand is demonstrating in training. My role is to help the players on our roster improve and to try to compete as we do every year.”
Kang-in Lee also spoke to the press
Speaking in Seoul ahead of his official presentation as an Atlético player, which will take place next week in Madrid, Kang-in Lee said “ultimately, I’m here to win; I’m here to help the team because that’s what matters most. I’m going to give 100 percent to help the team. The most important thing is to help the team.”
Kang-in Lee on inheriting the number 7 from Antoine Griezmann
“The number 7 jersey has been worn by top-level players and legends, but I try not to think about the jersey number. The most important thing is to help the team; the team is the most important thing, and I’ll give everything to help the team.”
Kang-in Lee on his welcome at Atleti
“Ever since I was a child, I’ve known this to be a great club, very close-knit, like a family… I’m really excited to get started, eager to help, to achieve important things, and I’m very ambitious.”
Kang-in Lee on Atleti fans
“I’m looking forward to meeting the Atlético fans. They’re the best fans in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them. I have to work hard so they can see that I’m a player with a lot of passion, and I want to bring them joy.”
Kang-in Lee on his time at PSG
“I think I developed in every area as a footballer. I’m the kind of player who is desperate to improve every moment. Atlético will play different football from Paris, so I’ll learn what the coach and the team want and give everything to help.”
