You may know about Miguel Almiron and his fairy-tale journey from humble childhood circumstances to a starring role on Paraguay's national team, and on to a pivotal place in Atlanta United's delirious debut MLS season, where he earned All-Star and Newcomer of the Year honors.
But the inside story is even more amazing.
Almiron penned a riveting, heartfelt account of his path to Atlanta in a Players' Tribune piece published on Wednesday, from the shoes he wore out using rocks as soccer balls in his youth to the fateful phone call that took him to MLS — and much more. It's a must-read, one of the most memorable MLS accounts among the many the site has featured.
ATLUTD fans may be particularly fascinated by Almiron's admiration for coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino, a huge factor in his decision to join the Five Stripes:
"I could barely believe what I was hearing.
'Coach,' I said, 'it is such an honor that you’re even calling me. Of course I want to go to Atlanta with you.'
I didn’t know much about MLS. I didn’t know where Atlanta was. I didn’t know anything. But Tata was manager, and that was all I needed to know."
