South Korean national soccer team midfielder Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain expressed his determination to grow and take responsibility following the disappointment of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.
In a post on social media platform Instagram on July 3, Lee stated, "This World Cup was a tournament that made me reflect on many things as a player. I want to thank all the fans who supported the national team. I also feel a deep sense of regret for not being able to deliver satisfactory results that met your expectations."
Having participated in his second World Cup after the 2022 Qatar tournament, Lee played the full 90 minutes in all three group stage matches, establishing himself as a key player for the team.
Lee reflected, "Over the past four years, many people, including my teammates, coaching staff, support staff, and medical team, have put in tremendous effort and dedication. I also feel regret for not being able to show results that matched that time."
He added, "When the results are not good, the first thing we should feel is responsibility rather than regret. I believe I could have shown a better performance and fulfilled my role more effectively."
Lee emphasized, "The love and support we receive as a national team are not something to be taken for granted, so I believe we must repay that with our performance on the field. I will not forget this outcome and will strive to grow and become a player who contributes to the team."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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