Regarding Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), 안전놀이터 who was once rumored to be transferring to Atletico Madrid (Spain), Diego Simeone said that he is now a player for another team and hinted that he will keep a close eye on Korean players in Team K League matches.
Simeone was joined by AT Madrid player Koke at the pre-match press conference for the first leg of the Coupang Series at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Saturday.
Simeone, who arrived in the country via Incheon International Airport on the 25th, thanked the fans for their hospitality and said, “Through such event matches, the club will grow and many fans will come to support us in the future.”
Lee, who recently moved to PSG, has been linked with a move to AT Madrid in both the winter and summer transfer windows during his time at Mallorca. At one point, it was reported that AT Madrid was a strong possibility, but negotiations broke down due to disagreements over the transfer fee, and Lee eventually moved to PSG.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone (left) and Koke at the pre-match press conference for the first leg of the Coupang Series at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th ⓒ MHN Sports Lee Ji-sook Reporter
In response, Simeone admitted that “there were rumors of signing Lee Kang-in,” but drew a line in the sand, saying, “He’s a PSG player now.”
Simeone then praised Korean football for its recent growth and recognition, and when asked if there were any Korean players he had his eye on, he replied, “I will watch them in the main match against Team K League.”
“I will meet him at the game and I will shake his hand and share my memories of the World Cup (where I played),” Simeone said, when asked by a reporter about Hong Myung-bo, who is similarly recognized for his charisma as a player-turned-coach.
Simeone’s AT Madrid will face Hong’s Team K League at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on July 27 at 8 p.m., followed by the second leg of the Coupang Play Series against Manchester City (England) at the same venue on July 30.