Thiago Almada bids farewell to Atlanta United with unbelievable goal

If Thiago Almada played his last game for Atlanta United, he chose a memorable night to do it. The young Argentine midfielder, who has been strongly rumored for an imminent transfer, made his final mark by scoring in a dramatic 2-1 win over Toronto FC. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium was in raptures when Jamal Thiaré sealed the win in injury time, but it was Almada who really stole the show.

Aged 23 and an undeniable talent, Almada has been the star of Atlanta United since his arrival from Vélez Sarsfield in 2022. His statistics are impressive: 23 goals and 33 assists in 77 matches. Even without a title to crown his career, he has won the hearts of the fans and become one of the team's key players. The win against Toronto FC, his first at home since March, was a farewell in style.

In the 90th minute, Thiaré surprised everyone by stealing the ball from goalkeeper Luka Gavran and scoring the winner, but Almada's goal was just as special. For a player who has been the backbone of the team, scoring on his possible farewell was a fairytale ending.

"Scoring a goal at home and coming away with a win is a happy ending. Although the only thing I haven't done is win a title here, I've tried to do my best and everything for the club," said Almada, and he also showed that his bond with Atlanta goes beyond the pitch: "The fans, my teammates, the people who work at the club, the chefs. They will have a big piece of my heart. I'll remember the club as one of the greatest in the MLS."

As Almada said his goodbyes, rumors of his transfer were in full swing. And it seems that Botafogo got what many clubs wanted. John Textor, of the Eagle Football group, closed the signing of Almada for around 19 million dollars, with a future planned for Lyon. The transfer is part of an ambitious multi-club project that has convinced Almada to stay in America, at least for the time being.

The Brazilian press has revealed that Botafogo have agreed the salary details with Almada's staff, who were initially reluctant to leave North America. But the project proposal, which includes a possible move to Lyon, was enough to convince him. With a World Cup under his belt and part of Argentina's three-time World Cup-winning squad, Almada is a major acquisition for Botafogo.

Thiago Almada, although young, has already shown his worth both in the MLS and internationally. His versatility on the pitch, playing both as a central midfielder and on the left side of the attack, makes him a key player for Botafogo in the current transfer window. His ability to create plays and finish with precision is an asset that any team would like to have.

This move marks the end of an era for Atlanta United and the beginning of a new one for Botafogo. Almada brought joy and unforgettable moments to Atlanta fans, and now Botafogo fans can expect great things from their new star. The Argentine says goodbye to the North American game with his head held high and his eyes set on a new challenge in Brazil.