After a grueling inaugural season, this week Atlanta United players were officially released from team responsibilities to get some well-deserved offseason rest. As you can see, Tito Villalba wasted no time getting out into the warmer weather of a South American summer.
But not everyone was as quick to get out of town. Team captain Michael Parkhurst says he’s going to relax in town and catch up on some quality time with his wife and kids.
“We’re going to go to Disney to spend time with the family, but outside of that we’re hanging here in Atlanta,” Parkhurst says. “We’ve got the home base here now, have the facilities here, and then I can get ready for 2018.”
The players that came to Atlanta from European teams aren’t used to the summer playing season, and are making up for lost time.
“It’s the first time being back for the holidays in about ten years, so I’m taking advantage of that,” says Brad Guzan. “We thought about going to Hawaii, but it would be too hectic with two little ones and changing time zones and everything. I think we’re going to be chilling in Chicago to be honest, we may go down to Florida for a few days. It’s home, so all of our family is there.”
“It’s been probably twelve years since I’ve spent a summer in Chile. So I'll go with my wife and enjoy time with family and friends at my house.”
The younger players that don’t have to worry about taking care of kids are a little more flexible. Lagos Kunga, for starters, is continuing his education.
Andrew Carleton and Chris Goslin – despite spending all season together – will be going to a music festival in California in December. And Leandro González Pirez is using the opportunity to travel and see friends near and far.
“Next week I will go to Argentina for vacation, to visit family and friends.. my people!” Leandro González Pirez says. “In December, I will go to London for New Years’ Eve to visit my best friend at West Ham, then I’ll come back here in January to get ready for next season.”
But for all the players, it’s a chance to unplug mentally and get their mind and body ready to push even harder in 2018.
“I’m going home for Christmas and New Years’ Eve, I’ll train a lot there and train a lot here,” says Julian Gressel. “Just spending some quality time with some people I haven’t seen in a long time, and getting ready for the new season.”
