Chilean international Carmona swaps Atalanta for Atlanta

Drop the A and be on your way, Carlos Carmona.

After a spell with Serie A side Atalanta culminated with a contract termination during the January window, Carmona is off to the North American top flight.

Ahead of its maiden voyage in MLS waters, Atlanta United has bolstered its squad with the addition of Chilean international defensive midfielder Carmona.

The expansion side announced the move Monday with a statement on its official website, with the club adding that Carmona, 29, joins Atlanta as a Discovery Signing using Targeted Allocation Money. As per MLS policy, further details of the signing were not disclosed.

"Having represented Chile at each of the last two FIFA World Cups, in addition to his extensive experience in Serie A, Carlos brings veteran leadership and a versatile skillset to our club," Atalanta president Darren Eales said.

"He fits in naturally with our style of play and also addresses an area of need. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him to the club."

Carmona's deal with Atalanta expired on Jan. 31 after joining La Dea in 2010 from Reggina. His arrival coincided with the Bergamo side's promotion to Serie A, and in six seasons with the club he made 155 appearances.

Surplus to requirements with Atalanta after featuring just ten times in the last two seasons, Carmona enlists with Gerardo Martino's lot ahead of its expansion campaign.

A member of Chile's last two World Cup squads, including three starts during the 2010 installment, Carmona has scored once in 48 caps for La Roja.