Martino: Asad made mistake not returning to Atlanta United

Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino said he told Yamil Asad he was “making a mistake” by not returning to the Five Stripes, according to a video of the manager on MLS Soccer.com.

“When there was no chance to convince him, I went to him and humbly, I told him that he was making a mistake,” Martino said.

Asad joined Atlanta United on a one-year loan from Velez Sarsfield in Argentina. He made 32 appearances, including 31 starts, scoring seven goals and notching 13 assists.

“He should have stayed with us,” Martino said. “Especially because he was very involved with the team, the system and the fans.”

Sam Stejskal reported on MLS Soccer.com that Atlanta United still holds Asad’s rights.

Martino was interviewed Jan. 18 in Orlando.

Asad was the first player of significance to not return to Atlanta United. The team announced Thursday that it has agreed to sell Carlos Carmona to Colo-Colo in Chile.

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