Toronto FC Sells Former MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco to Al-Hilal FC
Toronto FC sold star forward Sebastian Giovinco to Al-Hilal FC of the Saudi Professional League, it was announced Wednesday.
Per TSN's Kristian Jack, the terms of the transfer fee are "close to $2-$3 million."
Giovinco, 32, spent four seasons with Toronto FC after joining the MLS side in 2015 on transfer from Italy Serie A powerhouse Juventus. Giovinco scored 83 goals and notched 64 assists across all competitions during his tenure with Toronto FC.
In 2015, his first season stateside, Giovinco was named MLS MVP in addition to claiming Golden Boot and Newcomer of the Year honors. He was named an MLS All-Star in each of his four seasons, and he helped Toronto FC win the 2017 MLS Cup.
Giovinco is currently Toronto FC's all-time leading goal scorer.
Giovinco released a strongly worded statement via Instagram in which he aired some of his grievances against the club in the contract dispute that resulted in his transfer.
"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."
