Ezequiel Barco hit the field to train with his new Atlanta United teammates for the first time on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old, signed after the largest transfer into MLS in league history, was slated to take a physical in the morning, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Doug Roberson, before taking to the field.
Barco arrived in Florida, where Atlanta are holding their preseason training camp at the moment, earlier in the week.
Once he was in training camp, Barco discussed the move with assorted reporters, eager to see the newcomer in action.
“I’m excited to start training with my teammates and enjoy every day," Barco is quoted as saying on Atlanta United's website on Wednesday. "There are very good players on the team here in Atlanta. I’m going to have to get used to the team and playing with the guys quickly and do everything to be in the [starting] eleven.”
While there were multiple motivations for Barco to come to Atlanta, he admitted something common among South American players: The opportunity to play for ATLUTD head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino.
“Whenever you arrive at a new club you try to improve professionally. Tata is a very good coach so I’m going to take advantage of that and get the best out of him. I’m excited to keep growing and keep learning.”
For his part, Martino was happy to have some time in preseason to bring the player along, who has been off after the end of the previous season at Argentine club Independiente.
“We will evaluate him when he gets here and will make sure his incorporation into the team is progressive,” Martino said to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It will depend upon what kind of shape he is in. We aren’t in a hurry. We want to incorporate him into the team as best as possible. The season is still a way’s away, so we aren’t in a hurry.”
You can read more about Barco's first days in Atlanta training camp on Atlanta United's website and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
