’El Tata’ thanks fans ahead of Atlanta farewell

Tata Martino’s love affair with Atlanta’s soccer fans didn’t have to last long to have meaning.

On Thursday, Atlanta United’s coach expressed his appreciation for the fans’ record-breaking support as his team prepared for Saturday’s MLS Cup final against the Portland Timbers.

“First I just want to say thank you to Atlanta for letting me participate from the very beginning in the birth of this new club,” Martino said through a translator.

Martino’s leadership played a lead role in Atlanta’s meteoric rise as a MLS power. Led by MLS MVP Josef Martinez , Atlanta United is trying to win the MLS title in only its second season as an expansion franchise.

Martino was voted MLS coach of the year after announcing this would be his final season. Saturday will be his farewell to Atlanta fans, leaving behind a legacy that will be difficult for his successor to match. The former Barcelona and Argentina national coach reportedly is headed to Mexico’s national team.