Former Barca boss Gerardo Martino in charge at MLS newcomers Atlanta

ByReuters

Updated 27/09/2016 at 22:23 GMT

Former Barcelona manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino will be the first head coach of Atlanta United FC, the Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team announced on Tuesday.

Gerardo Martino

Image credit: AFP

Argentine Martino, 53, was in charge of the legendary Spanish club for the 2013-14 season, and subsequently spent two years as manager of the Argentina national team, before resigning in July.

"This is an incredibly exciting and historic day for our club," Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank said in a statement.

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Martino, who also guided Paraguay to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010, said he was looking forward to the "challenge of leading a team in an evolving league".

Atlanta and Minnesota United FC will join MLS for the 2017 season, expanding the league to 22 teams.

In keeping with the North American sports business model, MLS does not have a promotion-relegation system.

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