Atlanta United have released Joseph Martinez after six seasons and the forward has signed with Inter Miami CF, the club announced Wednesday. . Here’s what you should know:
- Martinez will not occupy the designated player spot on Atlanta’s roster as the team uses offseason buyouts in his budget.
- Inter Miami will retain part of his guaranteed contract in the club salary budget for 2023.
- Martinez released in eight days athletic He and Atlanta reportedly nearing an agreement for him to leave the club
𝟭𝟱𝟴 games. 𝟭𝟭𝟭 goals. 𝟰 Trophy.
It was a great honor. @JosefMartinez17 👑#ATLUTD announced the release of Joseph Martinez.— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) January 18, 2023
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inside story
Martinez’s departure from Atlanta marks the end of one of the most prolific and memorable player-team partnerships in MLS history. The 29-year-old quickly became a fan favorite and star when he joined Atlanta for the 2017 expansion season. Martinez was part of a fatal partnership with Miguel Almiron that year he scored 19 goals. He surpassed those numbers in his record-breaking campaign in 2018, scoring 31 goals, earning him MLS MVP and he MLS Cup MVP when Atlanta won the league title. He signed a five-year contract extension after that season.
Martinez was named to the MLS Best 11 in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and remains the club’s top scorer in 2021 and 2022 after returning from an ACL injury that saw him miss all but one game in 2020. maintained. Under his first-year manager Gonzalo Pineda, Martinez scored nine goals with four assists.
He scored 111 goals for Atlanta in all competitions.
Relations between Atlanta and Martinez seemed to sour last season. Martinez was suspended for one week for “behavior detrimental to the team” after colliding with Pineda in the locker room in September. Still, it’s a surprising ending for a player considered a legend at the club.
What happened between Martinez and Atlanta?
The storybook signing that brought him the 2018 MLS Cup Championship and multiple individual awards for Martinez has soured over the past few seasons. Martinez dreamed of ending his career in Atlanta. athletic Last year, I said, “I want to die here. This is my home. I’ll be here indefinitely.”
However, with constant turmoil at Atlanta United, declining club expectations and a coaching carousel over the past five seasons, Martinez’s relationship with the organization began to fall apart. A nasty knee injury that occurred in 2020 required several surgical procedures, hampered Martinez’ production, and ultimately contributed to this divorce. — Cardenas
Why did he choose Inter Miami?
Martinez had a no-trade clause that allowed him to avoid MLS exemptions and choose the perfect landing spot for the next chapter of his career. “(Martinez) has been given the opportunity to discuss his relocation within MLS and speak to other of his MLS clubs,” said a league source. bottom”
His newborn son’s mother lives in Miami, and the city’s football culture and Inter Miami’s winning ambition made him an ideal opponent. Martinez’s Chapter 2 in the MLS will be remarkable if he can get back his scoring prowess and keep him healthy and Inter his Miami Phil his Neville his coach can capitalize on Martinez’s fiery personality. It could be a story. — Cardenas
what they say
Martínez said in a news release: “I am thrilled with the opportunity to represent Inter Miami and do my best. I want to help them achieve their goals and leave their mark on the club.”
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(Photo: Dale Zanin/USA Today)
