Atlanta United FC: Almiron’s Transfer is Complete, Five Stripes Fortunate to Have His Replacement Pity Martinez

Atlanta United FC completed the transfer of star Miguel Almiron to Newcastle. The Five Stripes are fortunate to already have his replacement Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez in the fold.

The book on Miguel Almiron’s Atlanta United FC career has come to an end with his transfer to Newcastle United FC. The English Premiere League club paid an MLS record 27 million dollar transfer fee to secure Almiron’s services.

Almiron was originally obtained from the Argentinian club Landus for eight million dollars, so the Five Stripes made a handsome profit and got great production form his time in Atlanta.

Miguel Almiron finished second behind teammate Josef Martinez in the 2018 MLS MVP race. He scored 22 goals and assisted on 19 goals in his two seasons with Atlanta United FC. He had stellar numbers of 13 goals and 11 assists last season, helping the Five Stripes to an MLS Cup Championship.

Now enters Gozolo “Pity” Martinez to replace Miguel Almiron. Martinez who is also from Argentina was named the 2018 South American Footballer of the year. The 25-year-old midfielder scored eight goals and dished off four assists last season.

Gonzolo Martinez led River Plate, a club based in Argentina, to a win in Copa Libertadores. Copa Libertadores is South America’s top club tournament. He scored the game sealing goal in a 3-1 win during the second leg of the tournament final.

Hardcore Atlanta United FC fans met him at the airport with chants at five am upon his arrival in Atlanta, understanding the maganatude of the acquisition. Fox 5 covered the fans enthusiasm in this video on their YouTube Channel:

Soccer website whoscored.com lists Gonzalo Martinez’s biggest strength as dribbling. He’s also marked as strong in every offensive category including key passes, long shots, and direct free kicks. He likes to dribble, draws a lot of fouls, and likes to execute layoff passes.

Gonzalo will team with raining MLS MVP Josef Martinez, to form a dynamic Martinez duo. Josef the raining MLS MVP and single season MLS Goal Scoring Record holder, gives Gozolo a high level target to receive his excellent passes.

Gozolo Martinez is known by the nickname pity, pronounced (pee-tee). The nickname was given to him by his mother as a child. The name comes from the Pititorra, an Argentinian bird that flaps its wings fast much like a humming-bird. The nickname also hits his playing style and his fun personality as a teammate.

Atlanta United FC’s official website has the story on how Martinez got the nickname Pity by Ryan Catanese in this article.

Watching Pity Martinez team with Josef Martinez this upcoming season, should be a fun joyous time for Five Stripes Fans. More importantly the signing of Pity Martinez, should allow Atlanta United FC the opportunity to once again compete for the Supporter’s Shield and ultimately the MLS Cup.

ATL All Day will have continued coverage on Atlanta United FC as news develops as well as when play resumes. We will also have the latest news and analysis on all of your favorite Atlanta area sports franchises so stay tuned.