Leandro Gonzalez Pirez’s pregnant wife, Melina, isn’t due until Aug. 28, but the Atlanta United centerback said the doctors said she may go into labor at any moment.
Gonzalez Pirez said he’s not sure what he would do should she go into labor while he is playing in Sunday’s game against Columbus at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The girl will be the couple’s first child. He said the pregnancy is going well.
Gonzalez Pirez held his cellphone during Friday’s interviews, checking it for notifications. He then handed it to a friend to monitor before running onto the pitch to train.
At first, Gonzalez Pirez implied that if she goes into labor before the team leaves for the game, he will join her. If she goes into labor during the game, he said he will try to finish playing.
Finally, he gave up trying to answer.
“You know, I don’t know exactly,” he said. “I don’t know.”
Gonzalez Pirez, 26, said he wants to be in the delivery room, but if his wife goes into labor while he’s playing, he’s not sure how he will find out. Manager Gerardo Martino joked maybe they can use an ear piece to let him know.
“It’s a weird situation,” Gonzalez Pirez said.
Gonzalez Pirez said he most looks forward to showing his daughter how much he loves her and her mother.
“That’s what I’m really looking forward to,” he said.
Atlanta United will next play at Orlando on Aug. 24. It won’t play again until it travels to D.C. United on Sept. 2.
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