Thiago Almada gets ‘happy ending’ after win over Atlanta United

For Almada, Saturday’s result would be a fitting way to end his two-year stay in Atlanta.

“To score a goal at home and win is a happy ending,” said the player who has scored a club-record 23 goals and 33 assists in 77 appearances since joining from boyhood club Vélez Sarsfield ahead of the 2022 season. “Even though the only thing I haven’t done is win a title here, I think I’ve tried to do my best and give my all for the club.”

Almada, who earned 2022 MLS Newcomer of the Year honors while earning All-Star and Best XI selections the following season, declined to speculate on his immediate future.

“I can’t say anything until the club does. I am waiting for the club to make the news official out of respect,” he said before remembering the connections he made in Atlanta.

“The fans, my teammates, the people who work at the club, the bosses. They will have a big part of my heart,” he said. “I will remember this club as one of the greatest in MLS. I think since I arrived they have been very supportive of me and my family.”