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BEHIND THE STRIPES

Miguel Almirón

By Atlanta United FC

May 3^rd, 2017

“I never imagined doing anything different. I always loved soccer and I wanted to make it my career.” - Miguel Almirón

It is hard to believe that a simple birthday present for a six-year-old would come to shape the person that now wears the #10 for Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team, Atlanta United.

Day after day Miguel Almirón’s parents would watch him kick rocks in the streets of Asunción, Paraguay, so for his sixth birthday they introduced him to the beautiful game by gifting him his first-ever soccer ball.

Miguel quickly formed a unique connection with the sport and knew at a very young age that he wanted to make a career of it. His skills developed through his neighborhood team, “13 de Noviembre,” and eventually led him to the Paraguayan first division club, Cerro Porteño.

At 15 years old Miguel made the transition to Cerro Porteño in hopes of taking one step closer to his dream of becoming a professional. His coach at the time told him that he was too skinny to be effective on the field, so they would allow him to train with the team but he would never play for the club.

“At that time I wanted to leave Cerro if I wasn’t going to play. My parents told me be patient and to continue that year with the team.”

Miguel only stepped foot on the pitch one time for Cerro Porteño that season. He would train and sometimes travel, but despite his hard work, the coach never gave him a chance to break into the starting XI. Almirón remained determined and stayed with the club, which led him to meet his U-17 coach, Hernan Acuña.

“Thanks to him he gave me an opportunity to play and I got called up to the youth national teams. It was all thanks to him.”

Almirón believes that he is where he is today because of the patience and perseverance that his parents instilled in him during his youth career, and he is thankful that Acuña took a chance to give him the exposure he needed in order to make it to the next level of his career.

“I will try to do my best possible to take this club to the top.”

Miguel was playing for the Argentine club Lanús when he was presented with the option to sign with Atlanta United. It is a very unique opportunity to play for an expansion team, and for ATL UTD’s playmaker, there was not a doubt in his mind that he wanted to do so. Atlanta United meant a new city, new opportunities, and the chance to represent a club that is committed to growing the game not only within the United States, but internationally as well.

“I am very happy here and I hope that I can repay all the love that people have given me through my play on the field.”

When Miguel stepped on the pitch for Atlanta United’s inaugural match, he said that he couldn’t have imagined a stadium to have an atmosphere like the one that welcomed Atlanta to MLS. The energy that the home crowd brings to the expansion side is something that Almirón says every player behind the club’s crest treasures.

“The thing that impressed me the most is that we lost in the first game and they still applauded us and as players we are not used to that. That is something that all my teammates and I really appreciate.”

The supporters of ATL UTD have formed an impressive foundation that proves there is a thriving culture in the city that will not only sustain the sport but also amplify soccer in the southeast. Atlanta United has sold out all three of their home matches thus far, breaking the MLS attendance record of any team through their first three matches. For Miguel, it's an honor to step on the pitch and represent a city who cares so deeply about the club.

“The kit means something very important, it represents a very big responsibility.”

Miguel describes Atlanta United as “something very special.” He explains that the facilities accessible to the players, the care from the front office staff and the relationships between him and his teammates are unlike anywhere else he has played. There is a unique atmosphere and energy surrounding the club that is spreading itself through the ATL, and Miguel is excited to be a part of the journey.

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