Atletico Madrid COO Óscar Mayo Pardo was interviewed by Korean media, discussing Lee Kang-in's transfer to the club.

Q: Atletico Madrid is visiting Korea again after 2023. First of all, welcome, and I'd like to ask how you feel about the local hot weather?

A: Thank you very much for your usual warm welcome. This is Atletico Madrid's second visit to Korea; three years ago we also came here to play against Manchester City. The players can adapt well to the scorching heat; the local climate in Spain is also hot. Although the humidity in Madrid is not as high, the entire team is already accustomed to high temperatures.

Q: It is understood that Atletico Madrid has recently undergone significant changes due to Apollo Global Management's acquisition of shares. In addition, the club has independently established the sports marketing agency Mr.Red. Can you introduce the complete business strategy behind this?

A: The club has always maintained rapid growth. In the past two years, sponsorship revenue has increased by over 100 million euros, all home matches have been full, and more than 300 various events have been held throughout the year, including two sold-out BTS concerts. Marketing, business development, stadium operations, and offline activities have all grown simultaneously, and we have also explored new business avenues such as Mr.Red. The club's ultimate goal is to join the ranks of the world's top giants.

Q: You previously served as CEO of La Liga and are now COO of Atletico Madrid. What are the differences between these two roles?

A: League work and single-club operations have both similarities and significant differences. The biggest difference is that La Liga needs to coordinate broadcasting rights and the operation of the entire league, and its core responsibility is to promote the globalization of the league, and it will try many innovative projects.

Now, relying on the dividends of global market growth, the club's business is expanding rapidly. I am very fortunate to be able to apply my accumulated industry experience from La Liga to the team's operations. Working at the club brings an extra unique passion, and everyone is wholeheartedly looking forward to the team's positive development.

Q: In a previous interview, you revealed that the club's total revenue this year will exceed 500 million euros, a significant increase compared to 300 million euros two years ago. What is the core growth strategy?

A: A solid foundation is the prerequisite for everything – Atletico Madrid's deep historical heritage, vast fan base, and the new Wanda Metropolitano stadium form its core advantages.

With excellent basic conditions, we focus on deeply exploring diversified revenue growth and business expansion within the stadium, just like the BTS concerts mentioned earlier, continuously thinking about how to get closer to global fans.

Relying on a clear commercial strategy, we achieved performance growth: within 18 months, all 15 core partners renewed and upgraded their partnerships, and stadium-related revenue directly doubled. The Calderón Stadium's stadium revenue in its last year was less than 50 million euros, but in the past seven years, this sector's annual revenue has consistently exceeded 150 million euros, and there is still huge room for growth in the future.

In addition, I would like to add that the club always adheres to a differentiated operating philosophy. Before the official announcement of the new jersey this season, we exposed it through BTS's SUGA in advance, gaining huge popularity across the internet. Daring to try innovations that no one in the industry has touched is the club's operating philosophy.

Q: What is the strategic significance of the Korean market for Atletico Madrid?

A: First, let's be clear: Korea is one of our most important markets globally. We recognized the huge potential of the Korean market very early on and have long carried out various offline activities through local partners. Seven or eight years ago, Hyundai and LG were already top core sponsors of the club, and the two countries have maintained deep cooperation for a long time.

Indeed, market attention has exploded since Lee Kang-in joined, but Atletico Madrid's longer-term goal is to establish a brand foundation in Korea. Simply put, we hope Atletico Madrid can become the exclusive home team in the hearts of Korean fans.

Q: Even before Lee Kang-in's transfer was officially announced, there were reports that related jersey sales had already increased. As COO, how do you evaluate the commercial impact brought by Lee Kang-in?

A: We already had some expectations. During my time at La Liga, I personally witnessed the huge craze that Lee Kang-in generated during his time at Mallorca, and I was also aware of his outstanding performance at Paris Saint-Germain, so I anticipated that he would have extremely strong appeal. However, the enthusiasm and consumption fervor shown by Korean fans far exceeded our expectations, and the actual effect far surpassed what we had anticipated.

I am very proud to have gained a large number of new Korean fans, and the club will do its best to return everyone's love.

Q: You once commented that Griezmann's media and commercial influence would be difficult for any other player to replicate, and the club has been continuously discussing this matter internally. So, in your opinion, who is the new generation of core star who can take over the commercial banner?

A: There are countless excellent players in the team, and the commercial heights Griezmann has created are indeed difficult to replicate. However, we have several future core stars: Barrios, who came from our own youth academy and has high hopes from the club; World Cup champion Álvarez, who has played for many years; Koke, the club's all-time appearance record holder; and of course, Lee Kang-in and Lookman. We also have World Cup winners Llorente, Pubill, Baena, and Grimaldo. If I had to choose only one, I would choose Barrios, who was developed by our own youth academy and carries the club's high hopes. s.

Q: Finally, I would like to say a few words to the Korean fans who will visit the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in the future.

A: We are very much looking forward to welcoming all fans to our well-equipped home stadium. After visiting, everyone will be amazed by the club's scale and heritage. We are fully prepared to welcome every Korean fan who wants to visit our home stadium, and there are Korean-speaking staff in many areas of the stadium to ensure everyone has a comfortable viewing experience. We welcome everyone to experience this world-class stadium in person.

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