It took Josef Martinez five days of deliberations to decide if he would leave Italy and Serie A and join Atlanta United and MLS.
The pros: the roster being put together, the manager, the training facility under construction and the project.
The cons, which he said weren’t really cons: moving from Europe and playing elsewhere.
Martinez is obviously pleased with his decision, even while standing in the rain at the team’s $60 million under-construction headquarters in Marietta.
“I’m really happy to be here, and that’s the most important thing,” he said through an interpreter Tuesday.
Martinez, a native of Valenzuela, was introduced as the team’s third Designated Player on Thursday. He was acquired on a loan with an option to purchase from Torino in Italy’s first division. Martinez said he doesn’t see going back to Torino, but perhaps one day he will return to playing in Europe.
Martinez played for three teams in Europe after staring for Caracas in Venezuela. He moved to Young Boys in Switzerland in 2012, scoring four goals in 38 appearances with another eight in 18 while on loan to Thun, also in Switzerland.
He was purchased by Torino in 2014. He scored 13 goals with six assists in 76 appearances while in Serie A.
“I appreciate the opportunity they gave me,” he said. “I want to thank the fans and the team.”
Martinez fits the profile of the other two Designated Players, Argentinian Hector Villalba and Paraguayan Miguel Almiron, acquired by Atlanta United. He’s young (23), fast, skilled and can play multiple positions in midfield. He said his goals are to enjoy the experience with a clear head and to help the team accomplish its goals.
Martinez faced Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino when he was managing Argentina’s national team from 2014-16 and Martinez was playing for Venezuela. Martinez played 80 minutes in a 4-1 loss in last summer’s Copa America. He has 37 appearances for the national team with nine goals, including five in ongoing qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“We’re excited to have acquired another player who’s entering the prime of his career and who has already experienced top competition in Europe and South America,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said in a statement released by the team. “Between Serie A, Europa League and various international competitions with the Venezuelan National Team, Josef has already proven himself on some of the biggest stages in our sport and we’re confident in his ability to make a difference in MLS.”
Here’s how to read the AJC’s coverage of Atlanta United:
Web: On the Atlanta United channel on AJC.com.
Facebook: On our Facebook page at Atlanta United News Now .
Twitter: Follow Doug Roberson on twitter @DougRobersonAJC.
About the Author
