When Gonzalo "Pity" Martinez's flight landed at Hartsfield-Jackson from Buenos Aires in January, he was mobbed by Atlanta United fans at the airport.
Martinez had just capped off a superb season with River Plate. He'd helped the "Millonarios" to the Copa Libertadores, South America's version of the Champions League, and was named South American Player of the Year, a prestigious honor bestowed by Uruguayan newspaper El Pais.
While the 25-year-old is taking some time to adjust in Atlanta, he's the latest South American star to sign with the Five Stripes, joining Miguel Almiron, now with Newcastle United, and Ezequiel Barco.