Dion Pereira says his move from Watford to Atlanta United is 'perfect'

Dion Pereira has left Watford to join MLS side Atlanta United on a permanent deal, after making just two substitute appearances for his hometown club.

Speaking after his move, Pereira told the Watford Observer: “Ever since I made my debut at Watford, I’ve been waiting for another chance but it was extremely hard to get that chance.

“The move to Atlanta is perfect for me. They talk English, and they have a new manager who likes to give youngsters an opportunity. I had doubts over how far away Atlanta is. However you have to make sacrifices to reach your dreams and I have been making a lot since ever since I began playing football.

“I definitely couldn’t have done this without my family and close friends but most importantly Atlanta for believing in me. This is a new chapter for me and I can’t wait to put the match day shirt on.”

Dion’s mother, Amanda Pereira, says it was with a “heavy heart” that she accepted her son would be moving abroad but said she couldn’t stand in his way of what the footballer describes as a “perfect” move for him.

She said: “The move certainly makes all the car journeys worth it when Dion was younger. Dragging five children up the motorway to games has paid off."

Pereira’s family and friends held a farewell party for the 19-year-old at Evergreen, where his football career began aged just five, in late December. Friends from school and football attended in what was a farewell for the former Lawrence Haines and Queens School pupil.

Pereira joined the Hornets at under-9 level and has been a regular for the under-23’s. He had a spell at Tottenham Hotspur for four years before signing for Watford.

Atlanta United vice president Carlos Bocanegra said of Pereira: “We’re pleased to welcome Dion to the club and look forward to him joining the squad as we head into the 2019 season.

“We identified him as a young, technical player who we believe will adapt well to Atlanta United and MLS."