Official: Atlanta United sign Pity Martinez from River Plate

The long-rumored transfer has finally been made official! Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez is finally an Atlanta United player after completing a transfer to MLS from River Plate. After months of whispers and speculation, the Five Stripes have landed their latest and possibly highest profile Designated Player.

“We’re excited to announce we’ve secured Gonzalo to a long-term contract with our club,” said Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra. “Recently named as the best player in South America in 2018, Gonzalo is an attacking player who can play wide or centrally. His abilities complement our style of play and we expect him to make a smooth transition to MLS.”

Martinez comes to Atlanta fresh off of winning the Copa Libertadores with River Plate. The 25-year-old is a dynamic attacking midfielder, capable of playing through the middle or on either wing. He’s known for his playmaking ability but is also a polished attacker in front of goal.

“I’m very excited to come to Major League Soccer and to join Atlanta United,” Martínez said. “The club has shown a lot of trust in me and I’m looking forward to working with Frank de Boer and my teammates to continue making history at the club.”

In 2018, Pity received his first two Argentina senior national team caps and scored his first international goal. In December, he was voted by journalists as the Footballer of the Year in Argentina. He also took home the The Rey del Fútbol de América, a prestigious award given to the best South American player in a year.

Although no transfer fee has been announced, it’s been reported that Atlanta could pay upwards of $14 million after certain clauses are met, something teams in Europe were unwilling to do, according to the player himself.

Welcome to Atlanta, Pity! We can’t wait to see you embarrassing defenders and scoring golazos in the ‘Benz.