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Justin Meram says goodbye to Atlanta United

The Iraqi international won’t be back in Atlanta to start the 2020 MLS season.

MLS: Atlanta United FC at Orlando City SC Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After not having his contract option picked up at season’s end, Justin Meram just confirmed on social media that he will indeed not be signing a new contract with Atlanta United.

He hated Orlando so, so much. It’s a very sad day.

Justin Meram is one of the principal reasons Atlanta United’s season turned around the way that it did. Left back George Bello suffered an aggravation of a previous groin injury in the team’s first game that required surgery and held him out of action with the first team the entire season. This left Brek Shea as the team’s only natural player at the position, and Shea himself suffered a season-ending injury midseason.

Meram stepped up and played a role at left wingback that he’d never played as a professional. His ability in that position allowed the team to revert to a back three, a shape in which the team won two trophies including its first ever U.S. Open Cup.

He was also a really good interview.

Best of luck to Justin in the next stage of his career.