Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sebastian Giovinco has unloaded on former team Toronto FC after they sold him to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal FC.
The former Italian international has proven to be one of the best overseas signings by a MLS franchise, spending four seasons in Canada and scoring 83 goals with 64 assists.
Signing from Juventus in 2015, Giovinco won the MVP award for his first season in the league as well as the Golden Boot and Newcomer of the Year prizes. The 32-year-old forward was named to the All-Star team in each of the four seasons he led the line for Toronto.
But a change in general manager had altered the team's stance towards their best player, with Ali Curtis replacing longtime GM Tim Bezbatchenko, who became president of Columbus Crew.
And it was this which Giovinco cited as part of long, strongly worded statement released via his Instagram account.
"As I have always maintained, I was hoping to renew my contract and finish my playing career in a city that feels like home," Giovinco wrote.
"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."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments