Hip-hop “contributes” to Alexey Miranchuk being with Atlanta United

Alexey Miranchuk has barely arrived in Atlanta and has already made an impression. First impressions last, and the new signing of Atlanta United got off on the right foot. The midfielder from Russia is yet to make it onto the pitch to play an official game, but he showed what he is made of in the first training session and the press conference. He is the player who has already conquered the city, the fans, with just one word and one dribble.

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He was asked why he chose Atlanta, and he came back at them with the directness and wit that only great players have: "Because I love hip-hop." Certainly enough for the press to laugh at him, and the many fans present could not help but break into vigorous applause. The city immediately embraced Miranchuk of hip-hop, and the feeling seems to be mutual. From Future to Lil Baby to Migos to 10K.Caash, he already proved that he is abreast with the sound of the city. That is not all that attracted him. The desire to get to know new cultures and to explore new horizons is what made him cross the Atlantic Ocean and choose Major League Soccer as his new challenge in the end.

Of course, a lot of work was applied by Atlanta United to bring Miranchuk in. Vice-president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra traveled personally to Europe to convince the player that the 5-Stripes project was the way to go. And it worked. Miranchuk was impressed by the commitment the club showed and felt the time was right to take a new step in his career. "The league is growing. A lot of great players play here, with many more coming. I played four years in Europe and achieved everything that I wanted. It's the right time, the right place to be."

Miranchuk comes armed with an impressive CV that includes being a former player of Italy's Serie A side Atalanta BC and a winner of the 2023-24 Europa League. He is one of the best creators in the game and the best in his position globally. Last season, he was involved in as many goals as Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Leroy Sané, and Thomas Müller combined. And this quality was visible right from the first training session with Atlanta United. Teammate Dax McCarty added, "He trains with us once and you see his quality instantly. Right away. You know he's going to go out there and make a difference and be able to help us."

The Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground was simply filled with chants, drums, and excitement, definitely making it certain that the new idol has already a legion of fans. Miranchuk, always amicable, added: "It's cool to show the fans, to show the supporters what's going on behind the scenes. It's great."

But what about on the pitch? What could Miranchuk do for us? Perhaps, with his performance in Europe, he is going to be the brain of the team — trying to dictate the rhythm of the game, finding spaces, and creating the plays that can make a difference. His talent to score on headers, along with his vision, should make Atlanta United an even more dangerous team than ever. He's not just another player, he's a talent who can change the course of the game, who brings with him the experience of facing the best in the world and who knows how to win.

And this combination of charisma off the pitch and skill on it is what makes Miranchuk such a special signing. Not only does he fill a technical gap in the team, but he also raises the profile of the club, bringing greater media and fan exposure to the MLS. He's the player who can become an icon there in Atlanta with his easy manners and undoubted talent, just as Josef Martínez or Miguel Almirón came to be in their time.

Huge anticipation towards his official debut. Fans can't wait and see how Miranchuk is going to slide into the team dynamics and what he will be able to do on the field by having a ball at his feet. If he was able to do all that within such a short period of time, just imagine what he can do with the ball at his feet, driving Atlanta United toward even more titles and glories.

Get ready, then: it is possible that hip-hop attracted Miranchuk to Atlanta, but soccer will keep him here. And maybe, judging by what we have seen so far, the city is about to gain an idol.