Atlanta United star Josef Martinez heads to Inter Miami
FILE - Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez (7) kicks a shot on goal as New England Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell follows during round one of an MLS Cup playoff soccer game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Atlanta. Josef Martinez, the 2018 MVP and centerpiece of Atlanta United's rise to prominence in Major League Soccer, was released by the team on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, and quickly signed a deal with Inter Miami. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Amis]
ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta United star Josef Martinez has been released so he can join Inter Miami. Martinez was the 2018 league MVP and centerpiece of Atlanta’s rise to prominence in Major League Soccer. Now, he’s headed to South Florida. The move was not unexpected, given Martinez’s struggles last season under United coach Gonzalo Pineda. Still, it was jarring news for Atlanta’s fan base, which had adopted the 29-year-old Venezuelan as one of its own. He even had a large mural painted on a wall near Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Martinez says he’ll cherish his memories in Atlanta but it’s time to move on.
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FILE - Atlanta United attacker Josef Martinez (7) reacts after a play during an MLS soccer match against the Columbus Crew in Atlanta, Saturday, May 28, 2022. Josef Martinez, the 2018 MVP and centerpiece of Atlanta United's rise to prominence in Major League Soccer, was released by the team on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, and quickly signed a deal with Inter Miami. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Miguel Martinez
Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez, center, holds an Inter Miami soccer jersey as he poses for a photograph with head coach Phil Neville, left and Chief Sporting Director Chris Henderson, right, during a news conference at the Inter Miami soccer stadium, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Martinez signed as a free agent with the MLS Inter Miami soccer team after playing for Atlanta United. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Lynne Sladky