Alexey Miranchuk trained with Atlanta United for the first time Tuesday, giving local media and supporters alike a glimpse at the club's marquee signing during the summer transfer window.
The latest addition to the 5-Stripes arrived in his new city this past weekend, and Tuesday also marked his first time speaking to Atlanta media. Miranchuk kicked off the press conference showing his quick wit when the first question from Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked why the midfielder chose Atlanta.
"Because I love hip-hop," Miranchuk responded.
It was an iconic introduction to Atlanta, a city known for its hip music scene and history. Miranchuk followed up his answer by naming some of his favorite rappers, a thorough list that included Future, Lil Baby and Offset.
Aside from his playlist, the midfielder explained more about his decision to sign with Atlanta, a big leap considering he had never before visited the United States.
"I always wanted to know more about culture and to see other places," he said. "It's the right place."
Miranchuk traveled to Atlanta from Italy, which the Atlanta United digital team documented. But they weren't the first to fly out to visit the soccer player. In his press conference, Miranchuk credited vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra for his pursuit, saying he was impressed the Atlanta United executive flew across the ocean to meet him and introduce him to Major League Soccer.
"The league is growing, a lot of great players play here, with many more coming," Miranchuk said. "I played four years in Europe and achieved everything that I want... It's the right time, right place to be."
Miranchuk previously played for Atalanta BC of Italy’s Serie A. His impressive resume includes winning the 2023-24 Europa League with Atalanta. He made 15 UEFA Champions League appearances and 28 Europa League appearances since the 2015-2016 season.
On the pitch, Miranchuk is an elite chance creator -- and he has the numbers to prove it. Among No. 10s and wingers, Miranchuk ranked fourth in the world in expected goal contributions last season, joining some notable names such as Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, Leroy Sané and Thomas Müller of Bayern Munich, and Raphinha of Barcelona.
"He trains with us one time, and you see his quality instantly. Right away," teammate Dax McCarty said Tuesday. "And you know that he's going to come on the field and be a difference maker and be able to help us. The reality is that players like that raise the profile of the league and they make people want to watch."
Miranhuk's tenure with the 5-Stripes began in a unique way. Supporters were in attendance to watch the team practice. Their presence brought an enlivened atmosphere to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, filling the grounds with drums and chants, showing Miranchuk how dynamic and passionate the soccer culture in Atlanta looks like.
"Thanks everybody for coming," Miranchuk said. "It's great to show the fans, show the supporters what's going on behind-the-scenes. It's great."
