Mexican winger Jurgen Damm is set to leave Tigres UANL for Atlanta United this summer on a free transfer after running down his contract, sources have told ESPN Mexico's Rene Tovar.
Multiple outlets in Mexico have reported Damm's imminent departure, with MedioTiempo suggesting Damm's contract with the MLS club will be three-and-a-half years.
The speedy 27-year-old has made over 200 appearances in Liga MX, but has found regular playing time difficult of late with Tigres, partly due to injury, and has opted for a change of scenery. Damm has won four Liga MX titles in his time at Tigres and has 12 caps for the Mexico national team.
"After consulting with my family, the best thing for me is to take a different direction in June and there's nothing but thanks towards this institution [Tigres]," said Damm in a press conference on Tuesday. "I'll fulfill my contract, I tried to give my best, I always tried to be professional, but what you look for is more continuity. [Tigres] gave me opportunities and I didn't make the most of them."
"I'm not going to say where [I'm going], I'm not going to speak more, I told the directors that I won't renew," he added. "It's not an economic issue. I never asked for more money."
Damm was on the verge of tears when making the announcement, having joined Tigres from Pachuca in 2015. The player, who has a German passport, was regularly linked with a move to Europe.
Tigres president Miguel Angel Garza had stated on Monday that the club intended to renew Damm's contract and that the player was open to the idea.
Damm was free to talk to clubs six months before his contract was up and will leave Tigres after the 2020 Clausura season.
