Pity Martínez explains his decision to join Atlanta United | OneFootball

After capturing his signature for a reported €13.75m fee, River Plate’s Copa Libertadores hero Pity Martínez was officially introduced to reporters as a member of Atlanta United.

There were many roadblocks in the journey to signing the talented Argentinian, however, Atlanta was able to get the deal done.

“For me it was an easy decision because there were a lot of positive things both on the soccer side and on the personal side, just based on my talks with [team president Darren Eales] and Carlos [Bocanegra] and everything they told me at the club,” Martínez said.

“At the time, I was competing with River in many competitions and Atlanta was also competing and went on to win the title.

“We always remained calm, and then I finally made my decision toward the end of the year.”

Many thought Atlanta United’s ability to capture top talent from South America would have perished after the departure of manager Tata Martino.

However, the 25-year-old cited personal ambition as the reason for his switch from the South American champions to the Major League Soccer champions.

“I’m someone who likes a challenge and I know that Atlanta’s a club that’s winning titles, and I’m someone who likes to compete for titles,” Martínez said.

“My goal is just to get up to speed with the group as fast as I can to be able to help them and help accomplish all of our goals.

“They gave me a great welcome, which is something that I don’t think is common at all clubs.

“But we know that we have a really good group here, and I want to get adapted to the group as fast as possible.”

After penning MLS record-breaking goalscorer Josef Martínez to a five-year contract earlier this month, Atlanta must offload either Ezequiel Barco or Miguel Almirón to get them down to the maximum of three Designated Players.

Pity Martínez will likely make his debut in Atlanta United’s CONCACAF Champions League round-of-16 first leg against 2018 CONCACAF League champions Herediano of Costa Rica.

The first leg will take place on 21 February, with the return leg set to take place in Atlanta a week later.