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Former MLS MVP and MLS Champion Josef Martinez signs with Inter Miami CF
For almost two weeks now there was rumors floating around that former MLS MVP and MLS Champion with Atlanta United, Josef Martinez had an interest in joining Inter Miami CF.
The news was becoming a reality when Martinez arrived in South Florida and was spotted at the Florida Blue Training Center in Fort Lauderdale to begin negotiations.
In 2019, Martinez had a 27-goal season but was back tracked in 2020 with an ACL injury that made him ponder his long term future and had conversations with Atlanta's VP Carlos Bocanegra about the future. 2021 and 2022 were not the best for Martinez with slow goal production despite being the fastest player in Major League Soccer to reach 100 goals. Of course, Martinez was part of the 2018 squad in the inaugural year for United that would go on and win MLS Cup.
Bocanegra and the Atlanta ownership group realize that Martinez is a soccer legend to the ATL community and wanted to respect his wishes to leave. Martinez would make it official with Inter Miami CF on a one-year deal. This brings him closer to his native Venezuela and his partner as well as child who live in the Doral community of Miami.
It was evident that the former MVP wanted out of Atlanta since last season as he was suspended by the club for one week due to personal conduct. It was said that Martinez was lacking respect for his current coaching staff and teammates at that moment.
The signing of Josef Martinez for Miami was extremely necessary as they searched to bring in another attacking threat to be able to replace the goal production that Gonzalo Higuain who retired after last season gave the Herons.
Inter Miami CF will take on Brazilian side Vasco da Gama to open up their preseason friendlies at DRV PNK Stadium this upcoming Saturday, January 21st.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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