ATLANTA UNITED

As a pro, he has 83 goals and 14 assists in 243 appearances.

Giorgos Giakoumakis, GG or Gio if you’d like, doesn’t shy away from pressure.

Speaking Friday at his introductory news conference at Atlanta United’s training ground, Giakou- makis said he will wear No. 7 for his new club. It was the number worn previously by Josef Martinez, who holds just about every scoring record in franchise history and a few in MLS, too.

Seven was Giakoumakis’ number at Celtic, his previous club. That number previously was worn by legend Henrik Larsson. It worked out well for Giakoumakis in Scotland. He scored 27 goals in 56 appearances.

Giakoumakis seems confident it will work out in Atlanta, too.

“I feel pressure, and I’m happy that I feel pressure,” he said. “... I have to replace a great player. I have to improve every day more and more and keep scoring goals and make these people right for their decision-making.”

Vice President Carlos Bocanegra was quick to say Giakoumakis isn’t expected to be the next Martinez, who scored 111 goals. The club bought out the remainder of Martinez’s contract after the 2022 season. He subse- quently signed with Miami.

“He’s going to come in and write his own history,” Bocanegra said of the 28-year-old Giakoumakis.

Giakoumakis was on Atlanta United’s radar for a few seasons, Bocanegra said, before they acquired him as a Designated Player.

Bocanegra flew to Glasgow to scout him before signing him. Bocanegra said he liked his strength, how he ran across the front of defend- ers, his movement in the 18-yard box and his hunger to score goals. He has been crowned top scorer in a season at Celtic and in Holland before that with Vvv-venlo. He has 83 goals and 14 assists in 243 appearances as a pro.

Giakoumakis said he liked that Bocanegra personally came to watch him and talk to him.

“That means a lot to me,” Giakoumakis said. “I wanted to go somewhere where I will feel important. I will feel No. 1, I will feel crucial player.”

Giakoumakis will train with the team for the first time Saturday. Bocanegra said they hope the visa process is complete in time for Giakoumakis to be available to play in the season opener Feb. 25 at Mercedes-benz Stadium.

Giakoumakis said he watc h ed a lot of MLS games in the past. He also has watched every one of Atlanta United’s games from last season. He said the club was unlucky with the injuries it sustained.

Though Bocanegra tried to downplay comparing Giakoumakis with Martinez, there are similarities.

First, both are passionate. Giakoumakis said he thinks his passion will resonate with the team’s supporters.

Second, similar to Martinez, Giakoumakis can score with either foot or with his head. He said he worked very hard at Celtic to improve his left foot, as well as his combination play with teammates. Bocanegra thinks that Giakoumakis, Luiz Araujo, Thiago Almada and Derrick Etienne will play together well because their skills compliment each other.

Third, Giakoumakis said when he scores, he’s happy. When he doesn’t, he’s not. Martinez was the same.

“I will try to do what I’m doing every single season and score as much as possible,” he said.

DOUG ROBERSON/DOUG.ROBERSON@AJC.COM Atlanta United President Garth Lagerwey (from left), new striker Giorgos Giakoumakis and Vice President Carlos Bocanegra pose Friday at Giakoumakis’ introductory news conference.