Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is often the site of joyful reunions, people flying in and flying home, and Thursday night was no different.
Dozens of Atlanta United supporters, equipped with signs, No. 10 jerseys and even custom posters, crowded the airport to welcome Miguel Almirón. Earlier the same day, Atlanta United announced Almirón’s return to the club with a designated player deal through the 2027 season and an option for 2028.
The warm reception was a surprise to the 30-year-old midfielder, and showed exactly what he’s missed most since he left Atlanta in 2019:
“El cariño de la gente.”
“What I missed most was the affection of the fans,” he said Friday at his introductory press conference, recalling the scene at the airport. “It had been a long time since I had felt a feeling like that.”
The welcome symbolized what’s so special about Almirón’s return. Ever since he first arrived in 2016, and played two MLS seasons for the club after, the midfielder has felt a special connection to the city. He always expresses humility and warmth when speaking about Atlanta, including in his piece in The Players’ Tribune.
“I’m always very grateful for the fans in Atlanta – not just for last night but from when I arrived the first time, back when a lot of people didn’t know who I was,” he said Friday. “The support from the beginning has always been there.”
It’s been six years since Almirón left Atlanta to pursue playing at Newcastle United, a club that competes in the English Premier League. It was a childhood dream of Almirón’s to play in Europe, and he showed gratitude that Atlanta United helped him achieve those dreams.
Playing in one of the top leagues in the world has given Almirón great experience. He’s competed at a very high level and even has a Champions League goal on his stat sheet.
“I think I’ve grown as a player and also as a person, both on and off the field,” he said. “You always learn from your experiences. Right now, I’m calm and I’m coming here with that motivation to help the team.”
Atlanta United is a different club from when Almirón left soon after winning the 2018 MLS Cup. There are new faces in the front office and new faces on the pitch. But to Almirón the core identity of the club remains intact, and serves as a strong motivator for him as he begins 2025 with the 5-Stripes.
“Atlanta is a club that always deserves to be fighting for important things,” he said. “With the work that we’re all going to do and the work we’re all going to do together, the players and everyone at the club, that’s what we want to do.”
Although he was living out a dream to play in Europe, returning to Atlanta United was always an idea. Almirón kept up with the team while he was away and spoke to his wife about the possibility of going back to Atlanta.
He’s six years older and now has six years of competitive English Premier League play under his belt, but his commitment to the fans is stronger than ever.
“I'm still the same Miguel – the same will to compete, the same will to win – but now I'm going to have to work doubly as hard to repay all the confidence that the team and the fans have in me.”
