Lee Kang-in: "The fans make me a better player"

The South Korean international spoke to the LFP ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's clash with Montpellier at the Parc des Princes this Friday. Lee reflects on his memories of last season while also looking ahead to the goals of the new campaign that began last week. Here are some extracts from the interview.

Kang-in, Paris are taking on Montpellier this Friday, an opponent you already know well...

"It's a special match for me because I was lucky enough to score twice against Montpellier last season. I hope to be able to play in this match on Friday and, as I always do, help the team as much as I can to get a win."

You also scored your first goal at the Parc des Princes against Montpellier on 3rd November last year...

"That was a special goal for me, as it was also my very first goal in a Paris Saint-Germain shirt. I hope I get the chance to score more goals this season than last! But the most important thing for me is to win every game and achieve the goals we've set ourselves."

Is it a unique feeling to score at the Parc des Princes?

"Yes, it's always a special moment to score in front of your fans. And I think that goal is one of my 5 favourite individual goals!"

What do you remember about that goal, which was really beautiful as you said?

"I remember I'd just come back from the Asian Cup with South Korea, and I needed to have a good match and get back to my best. It's still a great memory because I felt good on the pitch, we had a great win and I was able to help the team by scoring that goal."

Do you see yourself more as a goalscorer or an assister?

"I think I try to look beyond that. Above all, I want to help the team as much as I can, whether it's with assists or goals. There are things more important than stats for me, like making sure the team wins games, and if I have to help in other ways than just with assists or goals, that's fine too! I think all the players in this team have this mindset."

You're starting your second season in Paris, how do you feel here?

"First of all, the city is magnificent! When I signed here, it was the first time I'd been to Paris. Last season, I discovered places that I'd only seen in photos! Now, my family and I have settled down and we feel really at home here, and that's the most important thing for me."

How do you feel about the Korean fans who come to support you at the Parc des Princes?

"It's a great feeling. I love the Korean fans, because they are people from my country who come to cheer me on and they give me a lot of love and energy. They make me a better player, and thanks to them, like all the PSG fans who come to every match, I want to keep improving. I want to thank them because they help me enormously in my progress, to play better football to help the team as best I can while making them happy!"