Josef Martinez’s intentions are clear: the Venezuelan striker wants to end his career with Atlanta United FC. If he does not hesitate to declare his love for the one and only club he has known in Major League Soccer (MLS), the 28-year-old athlete still has some salary demands.
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In an interview with sports site The Athletic on Thursday, Martinez revealed that he wanted to secure a contract extension that would secure his future until 2026 and that he would also like to become the highest-paid player in the league.
“I want to hang on my crampons [à Atlanta]. But I won’t play for free, he confessed. Everyone knows it. You cannot waste your work. I want to renew my contract and end my career here. ”
“El Rey” does not lack arguments to support its demands. Best player on the Garber Tour of 2018 and winner of a Golden Boot, Martinez completely transformed the league during his five seasons in Georgia.
“I would like to be the highest paid forward in the league, but I don’t want $ 50 million for a year. I want a salary increase and, above all, that they guarantee these additional years in the contract, ”he admitted.
His deal will end at the end of the 2023 season, when he earns just under $ 4 million per campaign. Atlanta will likely have to open his wallet, as MLS highest-paid player Carlos Vela commands a salary of $ 6.3 million.
Will Martinez agree to lower his expectations to stay with the club of his heart? Only the future will tell.
Sure of his decision
The young veteran suffered a knee injury which he held off the field for much of the 2020 season. Add to that a tumultuous relationship with coach Gabriel Heinze, and Martinez has given a lot of thought to his future.
After the arrival of Gonzalo Pineda at the helm of the team and his successful return in 2021 (12 goals in 24 games), the Venezuelan has decided to devote all his time and energy to Atlanta. Last September, he even became the player to reach the 100 goals fastest in MLS. He has now expressed the wish to score 100 more.
“I don’t want to join another team and start over. You should never say never, but if it was only for me I would choose [Atlanta] 1000 more times, Martinez said. It’s my house. I have said this several times. This club, nobody likes it like me. I’ve been here since there was nothing. We didn’t even have a stadium. Obviously I want to die here. It’s my house. I will be here indefinitely. ”