Atlanta United's Miguel Almiron tried on Friday to deflect attention away from the positive reviews of his performance in Wednesday's MLS All-Star game against Real Madrid in Chicago.
Almiron came on to start the second half and added a dimension of speed, dribbling and passing that the midfield didn't show in the first half at Soldier Field. His run and pass eventually led to the corner kick that tied the game at 1 on a goal by Dom Dwyer.
"I'm happy with how I played, but I think a lot my teammates played well, also," Almiron, one of Atlanta United's three Designated Players, said. "I was just happy to be part of a great game, a tough game, a difficult game.
"I just tried to enjoy it as much as possible."
Almiron has been one of the standout players on Atlanta United and in the league this season with eight goals, nine assists and an indefatigable work ethic. Atlanta United is in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and will play at Sporting KC on Sunday.
Almiron's performance on Wednesday led to MLS reporter Sam Stejskal sending this tweet:
Almiron also tried deflect attention away from that possibility on Friday.
"If a transfer comes, then we will see what happens," he said. "But like I've said before, I'm enjoying my time in Atlanta and not trying to rush anything. I'm really happy where I'm at and trying to be prepared as possible if that moment comes."
Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino said he hopes that doesn't happen anytime soon. He said Almiron was being watched by European clubs when he was playing at Lanus in Argentina.
"We are just happy that he's here doing his best to achieve our goals, but surely one day his goal is to play in Europe," Martino said.
