Lee Kang-In, the 25-year-old South Korean midfielder/forward, officially left Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday to join Atlético Madrid. Following the transfer—valued at €40 million including bonuses—the player posted a message on social media addressed to the club, his former teammates, and the fans.
Lee: “The first word that comes to mind is simply ‘thank you’.”
Paris,
I still vividly remember the day I arrived here with big dreams.
Today, as my journey in Paris comes to an end, the first word that comes to mind is simply “thank you.”
Thank you to the club, to everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes, to the coaches, the staff, and all my teammates. Thank you for believing in me, for placing your trust in me, and for all the moments we shared together.
Above all, thank you to you, the fans. Your chants at the Parc des Princes filled my heart and still resonate with me today. You were always there—through the good times and the toughest moments. I can never thank you enough for your support.
Lee: “One of the greatest privileges of my career.”
We experienced unforgettable moments and wrote a story I will always be proud of. Winning back-to-back Champions League titles, lifting so many trophies, and sharing all those emotions with you will remain one of the greatest privileges of my career.
I am leaving a part of myself behind in Paris, but I will keep this club and every one of you close to my heart forever.
Paris gave me so much more than just football. This city and this club helped me grow—both on and off the pitch. I leave with immense gratitude, great pride, and a heart full of memories.
Thank you for everything.
See you soon. »
There is always a certain emotional element to a departure, especially after winning so many titles. Although Lee didn’t quite establish himself as a regular starter for the big matches, he played a genuine role, delivering several decisive performances. It is the squad that wins, not just the starting XI. This was a major milestone in his career, and he can be proud of his journey. This chapter undoubtedly helped him grow; now he is heading to Atlético Madrid to make his mark.
We can only wish him success. Lee leaves Paris with a largely positive reputation—despite the disappointment of not quite recapturing the fiery spirit he showed at Mallorca or with the national team—thanks to his impressive fighting spirit, moments of high technical quality, decisive contributions, and his acceptance of a backup role without complaint. He was part of a historic PSG side; that is no small achievement.
