Park Ji-sung Backs Lee Kang-in to Become Atletico Madrid Legend

Former Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung has backed Lee Kang-in to establish himself as a leading figure at Atletico Madrid after the South Korean international moved from Paris Saint-Germain. In an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca published on October 13, 2026, Park praised Lee's technical ability and said the 25-year-old could build his own legacy in European football rather than remain associated with Antoine Griezmann.

Park described Lee as the finest technical talent South Korea has produced, highlighting the midfielder's potential to compete at the highest level. Lee's move to Atletico offers an opportunity to gain greater responsibility after his time at PSG, where he missed out on playing time in two major European finals, according to reports.

Park, who won 12 major trophies during his Manchester United career, also emphasized the importance of representing South Korea and Asia in European football. He believes Lee can develop into an influential player without being measured solely against established club figures.

"I believe Lee Kang-in is the most technically gifted player South Korea has ever produced. I am curious to see how far he can go on the global stage." Park Ji-sung said in an interview with Marca.

Park added that Lee's transfer could help him reach another level, while giving him the opportunity to establish an identity independent of his predecessors. He acknowledged that replacing a celebrated player quickly can be difficult, but believes Lee has the ability to succeed over time.

"I hope Lee Kang-in becomes a 'world-class Lee Kang-in' rather than a 'second Griezmann.' Few expected Son Heung-min to win the Premier League Golden Boot, but he did. Lee Kang-in has the same potential." Park said.

The relationship between the two South Koreans dates back to Lee's childhood. According to Star News Korea, they first met when Lee was six years old during a commercial shoot in Manchester. Lee had already attracted attention for his football skills, and the production featured him recreating Park's role in South Korea's 2002 World Cup match against Portugal while Park portrayed coach Guus Hiddink.

Park recalled that Lee's ability impressed him even at that young age. He said the youngster's potential exceeded his expectations and that Lee's commitment to improving strengthened his belief that the child could achieve major success.

Lee has since taken Atletico's No. 7 shirt, previously worn by Griezmann. Park recognized the challenge of following a club icon but argued that Lee should be judged on his own development and performances rather than comparisons with the French forward.

Park also reflected on the pressures faced by Asian players competing in Europe. Drawing on his own career, he said that measuring himself against elite opponents helped him identify weaknesses and motivated him to keep improving.

The former Manchester United midfielder expressed conflicting loyalties ahead of Atletico's Champions League meeting with his former club on October 14, 2026. He said he wanted Lee to perform well while still hoping Manchester United would win.

Separately, Lee denied online allegations that he had contributed to divisions within South Korea's national team. According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, the rumors intensified after a friendly against Uzbekistan on October 6, 2026, and included unverified claims of conflict between senior players and younger squad members.

Lee's management agency, The Black Label, said the allegations were unfounded and announced that it was collecting evidence of potentially defamatory posts and comments. The agency said it would consider legal action to protect the midfielder.

The controversy also revived discussion of Lee's physical altercation with national team captain Son Heung-min during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, held in Qatar in early 2024. The two players later reconciled, and the Korea JoongAng Daily reported that no concrete evidence had emerged linking Lee to a recent dispute within the national team.