Josef Martinez sticks with Atlanta United
ATLANTA — Major League Soccer MVP Josef Martinez kept insisting he was happy with Atlanta United FC.
He backed it up Wednesday by signing a five-year contract extension with the MLS Cup champion, ending any questions about whether might be looking for another shot in Europe after a record-setting season.
No terms were released on a deal that runs through the 2023 season, but Martinez figured to get a hefty increase over the $1.4 million in guaranteed salary he received last season.
The 25-year-old Venezuelan scored
31 goals in 2018, easily eclipsing the MLS record. He added four more goals in the playoffs, leading Atlanta United to a league championship in just its second season.
Martinez became the first player in league history to capture the MVP award for the regular season, the All-Star Game and the MLS Cup in the same year.
Martinez initially came to Atlanta United on loan from Torino in Serie A. After struggling in Italy’s top division, the striker thrived with the MLS expansion team, scoring 19 goals in 20 games his first season despite missing extensive time with a quadriceps injury sustained while playing for his national team.
He took his totals even higher this past year, demonstrating an ability to score with either foot and especially with his head — a credit to his fearlessness in front of the goal despite his short stature, which is generously listed as 5-foot-7.
“This means a lot to me because of the affection that the fans have shown me, that the fans show all of the players. It’s unique,” Martinez said in a released statement. “They recognize the effort that you give and they know you did everything to win, and I think that’s why we love playing here. I have to thank everyone. My teammates, the city, my family and friends, because this is a dream I’ve always had.” Martinez stressed he is comfortable in Atlanta and has no desire to take another shot at playing in a top European league. United has set numerous attendance records over its two seasons, averaging more than 53,000 per game in 2018.
“I’ve said before that I don’t want to go anywhere because this is my home,” he said. “You can expect more work, more intensity, because that’s who I am. I want to win. I want to do everything for my teammates and for the city.”
In the MLS Cup title game last month, Martinez scored the opening goal and assisted on the second in a 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers.
“Josef is an exciting, dynamic player and has proven himself to be one of the best in MLS over the past two seasons,” team president Darren Eales said. “We’re excited to secure Josef’s longterm future in Atlanta and we look forward to celebrating many more accomplishments together.”
Atlanta United opened training camp Tuesday, in preparation for its first appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League next month. The MLS season begins March 3.
“This means a lot to me because of the affection that the fans have shown me, that the fans show all of the players. It’s unique.”
– JOSEF MARTINEZ