Josef Martinez agrees to cut international break short, rejoin Atlanta United

Josef Martinez, Atlanta United and the Venezuelan National Team have agreed to have the star striker cut his international break short and return to Atlanta ahead of the team’s upcoming west coast road trip, according to a statement. The arrangement for Martinez to play in only one of Venezuela’s two friendlies was reportedly agreed upon prior to Josef’s arrival at national team camp.

Martinez started in Venezuela’s first of two matches over the international break Friday night, a 2-1 loss to Colombia. Martinez played 68 minutes before being substituted. Since the game was just a friendly between the two CONMEBOL nations, the game was played at a neutral venue in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla. So thankfully, not much travel for Josef.

Martinez had a quiet game against Colombia, playing in a 4-4-2 alongside Newcastle front man Salomon Rondon. Martinez had one potential 1v1 chance in the second half, but the speedster was adjudged to be offside.