Josef Martínez has mind set on Atlanta United’s season opener
The Venezuelan striker was out for a year due to a torn ACL, but he has now reached full-fitness and played his first game in Atlanta’s 3-0 victory over Tormenta FC.
Josef Martínez suffered a torn ACL back in February 2020 and missed the entire 2020 Major League Soccer season as he was working on his recovery. After over a year without playing an official game, he made his return yesterday during an exhibition match in Atlanta United’s 3-0 victory against Tormenta FC from the USL.
“The father is back”
This was Martínez’s first match back and he is now ready to start the CONCACAF Champions League on 6 April against LD Alajuelense. The second leg of the round of 16 will be played on 13 April and four days later the Five Stripes will visit Orlando City in the season opener of Major League Soccer 2021.
On Friday the Venezuelan striker spoke to the media for the first time since his injury and spoke about how tough it has been to recover from the torn ACL. Martínez is eager to return to the pitch and help Atlanta United win trophies this year.
“The father is back. Once the schedule was released with Orlando as the first game, I was getting comments on social media about it," Martinez said. "I’m working hard to get back to 100%, it’ll be up to the coaching staff. I’m ready for that game.”
“It was a difficult path, the day-to-day was tough," Martinez said. "I cried at times, up until even last week when I was able to get on the field and play in the first scrimmage.”