One of Major League Soccer’s best players Sebastian Giovinco, has blamed Toronto FC’s ownership group for his departure from the club. “Management prefers to focus on things other than the pure desire to win.”
Giovinco ended his historic spell with Toronto FC on Thursday to make a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, but the former Juventus attacker took to Instagram to set the record straight about his transfer.
“Toronto has been home to me and my family for almost 5 years. I arrived here from Italy in January 2015 and immediately felt something special,” began the 32-year-old.
“From day one, I worked hard to repay the opportunity that Toronto had given me. From that first year, I realized that we could do great things here.
“hrough hard work, passion and determination my teammates and I transformed TFC and made it one of the best clubs in MLS and in North America.
“We didn’t do this alone. Without our great fans this would not have been possible. I can confidently say that I significantly contributed in making unprecedented history at TFC.
“We wrote a new chapter in the club’s history, together. All for One. This journey has been a wonderful experience for my family and me.
“It’s without hesitation that I can say that I wanted it to end differently. As I have always maintained, I was hoping to renew my contract and finish my playing career in a city that feels like home.
“It is here where my daughter was born and where my son took his first steps on a football pitch. A place my family loves to live and wanted to call home for good.
“Unfortunately, this desire of ours has clashed with a change in direction with current TFC management.
“For the 2 years I have been seeking to extend my contract however management was reluctant.
“Recently, after refusing to exercise the club option for 2020, I was offered terms that I deemed unacceptable.
“They may say I left for a more lucrative deal, but this is not the case. Their offer and lack of transparency is a clear message.
“It seems management prefers to focus on things other than the pure desire to win. After having grown the brand and elevating the overall reputation of TFC both at home and abroad, it seems I no longer serve a purpose.
“I would have accepted less to stay in Toronto. Therefore, I reluctantly announce that my tenure as a TFC player has come to an end.
I will now focus my attention and efforts towards another challenge. With me I bring beautiful memories. Toronto – the 6ix – you are and will always remain in my heart.
“Thank you for everything you have taught me about myself and about life. I love you Toronto! Seba.”
In his time in MLS, Giovinco won the MLS Cup, the Eastern Conference Championship twice and the Voyageurs Cup four times.
