“A second Griezmann? That’s ridiculous,” Park Ji-sung’s advice to Lee Kang-in... “Lee Kang-in is Korea’s greatest talent ever”

[Financial News]  “Not many people expected Son Heung-min to become the English Premier League (EPL) top scorer. But he eventually did it. Lee Kang-in has plenty of potential to do the same.”
“Eternal Captain” Park Ji-sung (45) offered heartfelt praise for his much younger compatriot Lee Kang-in (25, Atlético Madrid). Along with hailing him as the best technician in the history of Korean football, Park predicted that Lee could also replicate the remarkable achievement Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) had accomplished.
Spanish sports outlet Marca published an exclusive interview with Park Ji-sung on the 13th (Korea time). The interview was arranged ahead of a UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash between Park’s former club Manchester United and Lee Kang-in’s club, Atlético Madrid. Marca focused on the special connection between the two players, who represent the past and present of Korean football.
Park Ji-sung was a pioneer who broke into European football, becoming the first Asian player to lift the UCL trophy in 2008. In his eyes, his junior Lee Kang-in’s talent was “the best ever.” Park declared, “Lee Kang-in is the most technically gifted player ever to come out of Korean football,” and made no secret of his anticipation, saying, “I’m really curious to see how far he can go on the world stage.”

Park also viewed positively Lee Kang-in’s decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer and join Atlético Madrid. “The move to Atlético is a perfect opportunity for Lee to take his game to the next level,” Park said, expressing his support for Lee as he seeks to make his own mark in Spain, where he has been given more playing time and a key role.
What particularly caught the eye was Park’s reference to Son Heung-min. Citing Son’s achievement as the first Asian player to become joint EPL top scorer, with 23 goals, Park stressed, “Lee Kang-in also has the potential to achieve great things beyond expectations, just as Son did.” This was not a demand that Lee chase a specific record such as the Golden Boot, but rather a pointed piece of advice from a senior: not to box himself in with current assessments or perceived limitations, and to push on to become one of the world’s very best players.
Lee Kang-in currently has a lot on his shoulders. The fact that he inherited the number “7” shirt at Atlético carries enormous expectations that he will fill the void left by Antoine Griezmann, a club icon.


But Park Ji-sung was firm. He stated, “Lee Kang-in doesn’t need to be a copy of Griezmann,” and insisted that Lee should become a world-class version of himself—not “the second Griezmann.” The message was to maximize his own creativity, technique and ability to manage the game, and make the name “Lee Kang-in” known across European football.
Meanwhile, the special connection between the two players will play out on the UCL stage at 4 a.m. on the 14th (Korea time). Park said, “I hope Lee Kang-in can show what he can do,” while adding the lighthearted, affectionate wish, “I hope my former club, Manchester United, gets the win.”
Praise for being the best technician in the history of Korean football, boundless expectations inspired by Son Heung-min’s record-breaking achievement, and heartfelt advice to forge his own path.
The message from a Korean football legend to the next generation’s ace was clear.  Don’t assume you know your limits; Lee Kang-in’s limits have yet to be determined.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter