Toronto FC signs Canadian int'l de Guzman

Toronto FC announced on Friday that it has signed Canadian midfielder Julian de Guzman as the team's first ever designated player.

The 28-year-old is returning home after nine years of playing professionally in Europe, most recently with Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna.

"This is an exciting day for Toronto FC fans," said director of soccer Mo Johnston in a press release. "This deal to bring Julian back home was a long time coming, and we are absolutely delighted that we got it done and he's back playing in his hometown. For me, he is a tremendous young talent; he ticks all the boxes in what we were looking for in a DP and will help our team straight away."

De Guzman has 40 caps with the Canadian national team in his 7½ years as a member of the squad and was given the Most Valuable Player award at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Toronto's newest signing will be available for selection for Saturday's match against Colorado and TFC will be hoping its new star can help with a late push for the playoffs. --Goal.com