Lee Kang-in vows to give '120%' after joining Atletico Madrid

South Korea's ace Lee Kang-in (25) has left French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to join Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid, pledging to give 120 percent at his new club.

Lee appeared at a press conference Saturday at Mokdong Sports Complex in Seoul alongside Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, where he made the remarks.

Atletico Madrid will face English Premier League giant Manchester City in a preseason friendly at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday. The match is expected to serve as Lee's unofficial debut in his new jersey in front of Korean fans.

"I've watched this club since I was young and I know how great it is," Lee said. "I'm happy to be here."

He said the sincerity shown by the manager and the club in wanting him was what moved him most. "This is a team that competes for titles every season," he said. "I chose to come here because I felt I could develop further and lift many trophies."

Lee had moved from Spanish club Mallorca to PSG in July 2023, and this transfer brings him back to Spain's La Liga after three years away from what he considers his footballing home. The transfer fee stands at 35 million euros ($40.3 million), with an additional option of 5 million euros, bringing the total to 40 million euros — the second-highest transfer fee ever paid for a Korean player, behind only the 50 million euros paid when Kim Min-jae moved from Napoli to Bayern Munich in 2023.

The club handed Lee the iconic No. 7 shirt, a number made famous by Antoine Griezmann, who wore it during Atletico Madrid's golden era in the 2010s.

"I know there are many legends and great players who wore No. 7, but honestly, rather than feeling the weight of that, what matters more to me from the outset is how I can help the team," Lee said.

"I'm a player who thinks and wants to improve every single moment — I'm desperate for it," he said. "I've grown in every aspect at PSG and with the Korean national team. The football at my new club will be different from before, but I'll do my best in the direction the manager wants."

"I've 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 to help the team and win."

Lee also made no effort to hide his excitement about meeting Atletico Madrid's supporters. "I've seen that our fans are the best in the world, so I'm thrilled and can't wait," he said. "I want to show that I'm a player who helps the team and, through that, brings joy to everyone."