Darlington Nagbe: Midfielder arrives via private jet to new club Atlanta United

Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Midfielder Darlington Nagbe was welcomed in a private jet after his trade to Atlanta United.

Nagbe, 27, was officially traded from the Portland Timbers to Atlanta on Wednesday. Atlanta sent a potential total of $1.65 million to Portland. The Timbers also traded defender Gbenga Arroyo to Atlanta.

On Friday, Atlanta sent team brass to Cleveland, Ohio to pick up the United States Men's National Team member. Club President Darren Eales was part of the front office on the luxurious journey.

"It's my first time in Atlanta and everyone's showing love," Nagbe told reporters. "I got to meet a lot of the staff and a lot of fans. Everyone's so passionate here. I think as a player, that's what you want: fans that are dedicated to the team. So far it's been great."

He walked off of the plane wearing an Atlanta United scarf over his suit. He was driven away in a motorcade of Mercedes SUVs.

Nagbe also got a tour of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and signed autographs at the team pro shop, before meeting for the first time with local media.

The midfielder won the MLS Cup title in 2015 with Portland. He has 27 goals and 30 assists in his league career.

"Darlington is one of the most dynamic players in the league, and what stands out to me about him is that he compliments our attacking options so well," Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra told the team website. "He has the ability to dribble out of trouble, he has a very unique quality in his ability to skip past a few defenders and drag defenders out of position, which leaves his teammates in great positions one-on-one or with mismatches down the field."

Atlanta United also acquired Jose Hernandez this week from Caracas FC of the Venezuelan Primera Division.