Six years ago, a 29-year-old soccer player from Argentina signed with the Montreal Impact. We didn’t know much about him at the time, except that he was supposed to be one of the club’s best signings yet. Of course, actions speak louder than words, and that’s truer than ever for Montrealers. Let’s wait and see what this man can do on the field first before singing his praises.
We didn’t have to wait very long.
Nacho only played six games with the Impact upon his arrival near the end of the 2014 season but had an immediate impact, notching his first four goals with the club, including an assist as well.
The following year, we saw that this man could truly do. And he did it in the Concacaf Champions League.
He led his new team all the way to the continental final, and the Impact was just one half away from lifting the continental trophy and making history. Despite falling short in the end, one thing was clear: Nacho Piatti is world class.What followed in the next few years simply confirmed this statement.
The Designated Player helped the team reach the Eastern Conference final against Toronto FC in 2016, notching four goals and an assist in the playoffs, dazzling fans with his footwork, his clinical finishing, but even more so with his passion.
66 goals and 35 assists later in the MLS regular season, one thing is clear for everyone who knows the Impact: this was the best player in the history of our club.
Montrealers will always remember the magician on the pitch, but that is by no means the extent of Nacho’s legacy in this city. We will also remember the man he was, his generosity, his humbleness despite his stardom and his infectious positivity.
More than anything, we will remember him becoming one of our own. We will remember the Argentine who came to Quebec and embraced the culture. We will remember the fact that he spoke and improved his French, allowing him to better communicate with supporters and the media alike.
In the world of sports, there aren’t many athletes just like Nacho Piatti, and that’s the truth.
All you need to do is ask any supporter of the Montreal Impact.
I think I speak on behalf of all Montrealers when I say you will be sorely missed. Thank you, Nacho. You will forever have a home in Montreal.
