Temas: Major League Soccer, Toronto FC, Sebastian Giovinco, Al Hilal, Transfer
The Italian playmaker was key for the red and black side to win their first MLS title in 2017.

One of the best footballers ever to grace MLS stadiums has called it quits. Italian playmaker Sebastian Giovinco has put an end to his term as a Toronto FC footballer after four years, but he does so against his desire.

The 32-year-old revealed that his desire to keep playing for Toronto was not honored by the team's execs, mainly because they refused to sign a contract extension beyond 2020.

In a long and fiery Instagram post, Giovinco revealed that he would have agreed to lower his wages to keep playing for the Reds, but the team's management refused to give in to his demands.

Have a look at Giovinco's post.

 
 
 
 
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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. 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. Through 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

Una publicación compartida de Sebastian Giovinco (@sebagiovincoofficial) el

Meanwhile, the club posted a press release on their website, revealing that Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal will be his next destination.

"This was an extremely emotional transaction for our club.  We'd like to thank Seba for all he did for TFC during his time with the club. He gave our fans many thrilling moments during his four years, especially during our championship season in 2017. He leaves Toronto as the greatest player in club history. We wish Seba and his family nothing but the best as he begins a new chapter," team president Bill Manning said.

Giovinco scored 83 goals and handed out 64 assists across all competitions for TFC, becoming the team's all-time top scorer. Added to that "Seba" helped Toronto win two Eastern Conference titles, the 2017 MLS Cup and two more Canadian Championships in 2016 and 2018. He was also crowned as the league's MVP in 2015.