Atletico Ottawa Makes Return of Viti Martinez Official

While it has long been assumed that Spanish midfielder Viti Martinez would be returning to Atletico Ottawa given that he was listed as ‘on loan’ to Alaves B until January, the expansion side has finally made the re-signing official.

The 23-year-old had made six appearances for Atletico Ottawa at The Island Games, scoring a crucial goal against Pacific FC to keep the club’s group stage hopes alive heading into the final match of the regular season.

His head coach and fellow countryman, Mista, stated that the Spanish midfielder has adopted a leadership role for the expansion side which suggests he’ll have a big role to play come 2021, especially with the club having yet to re-sign team captain Ben Fisk:

Viti is called to be one of the team leaders based on his quality on and off the pitch. He is an experienced player and still has room to grow and improve. We are excited to have him returning for the 2021 season.

Mista

After Atletico Ottawa bowed out of its inaugural Canadian Premier League campaign, Viti was loaned to Segunda Division B side Deportivo Alaves B, where he made eleven appearances and scored a single goal against AE Prat.

His initial move to Atletico Ottawa last April marked his first time playing outside of Spain, with Martinez having progressed through the youth ranks at CF Damm before he broke into the starting squad third division side CE Sabadell in 2018. He went on to play for Pobla de Mafumet CF and Gimnastic de Tarragona before Atletico Ottawa picked him up.

Viti is an experienced player that has demonstrated throughout his young career and in a shortened season what he is capable of. He is one of the main engines of our midfield and our team. His versatility, his innate abilities and his determination make him one of the most valuable midfielders in the CPL.

Atletico Ottawa CEO Fernando Lopez

Atletico Ottawa began announcing its returning roster this year, with Martinez returning as the club’s fourth international signing of the 2021 Canadian Premier League campaign, and the club’s ninth confirmed player overall.

The club has also retained the services of English left-back Vashon Neufville, while internationals Osah Bernardinho and Tevin Shaw re-signed despite being unable to enter the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

In terms of domestic talent, the club has re-signed Antoine Coupland, Ben McKendry, Brandon John, and Malcom Shaw, with the expansion side also taking CF Montreal youngster Keesean Ferdinand on loan for the upcoming season.

The side will be moving on without midfield maestro Francisco Acuna, with domestic talents Maksym Kowal and Ricky Gomes also have left the side.

Atletico Ottawa did not disclose the length or financial details of Viti’s contract.