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Leandro Gonzalez Pirez has emerged as a leader in the heart of Atlanta United’s defense this season. The 25-year old, alongside Michael Parkhurst, has helped Atlanta develop a solid backline in their debut season in MLS.
Gonzalez Pirez sat down with Brittany Arnold from FOX Sports South and discussed everything from his journey so far, to life in the ATL.
.@ATLUTD defender Leandro González Pirez talks about his journey from Argentina to Atlanta in a must-see interview with @BrittanyMArnold pic.twitter.com/5HNjoWlZ7a
— FOX Sports South (@FOXSportsSouth) June 7, 2017
When asked about the transition from Argentina to Major League Soccer, Gonzalez-Pirez praised his coach, Tata Martino. The defender said that “it’s an advantage for me because he’s Argentinian” and that Martino helped him with his customs, highlighting his comfortability in Atlanta after making the switch last year.
Gonzalez Pirez went on to speak highly of the Atlanta United fans, praising their endless support. The 25-year old seems to be settling in just fine in Atlanta, telling Arnold that “the city is beautiful, the traffic is terrible,” something natives of Atlanta know all too well.
He went on to tell Arnold that despite his previous clubs in Argentina having very good facilities, they were not like Atlanta’s. He summed it up by saying, “This is amazing, this is incredible,” as he talked about Atlanta exceeding his expectations.
It’s music to the ears of Atlanta fans to hear one of their stars speak so favorably about the city and the support that the team has received so far this season. Despite his young age, Gonzalez Pirez has shown plenty of maturity and leadership for Atlanta this season. As the season progresses, Gonzalez Pirez’s role with the team will be crucial to any success the franchise hopes to have in their first season.