Tuesday 20 January 2015 13:46, UK
Toronto FC have continued their closed-season overhaul by securing the future services of Italy forward Sebastian Giovinco from Juventus on undisclosed terms.
The 27-year-old will arrive at the MLS club at the end of the current Serie A season and follows United States striker Jozy Altidore, who was part of the deal that took Jermain Defoe to Sunderland, in committing to the ambitious Canadian outfit.
Toronto general manager Tim Bezbatchenko told the franchise's official website: "Today marks a very special day for Toronto FC with the addition of Sebastian Giovinco.
"Seba is in the prime of his career and he has chosen to join Toronto FC and MLS at a time when many of the top clubs in the world were pursuing him.
"We are very pleased to bring a fantastic player to Toronto FC for our club and for our fans, especially those in the Italian community."
A diminutive attacking midfielder, Giovinco has made 130 appearances for Juve in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and providing 23 assists. He won back-to-back Serie A titles in 2013 and 2014.
The former Parma player said: "I am excited to sign with Toronto FC today and look forward to joining the club this summer.
"I have heard so many great things about Toronto over the years and I know that it will be a city that I feel right at home in.
"Until then, I have many things I still want to accomplish for Juventus and our fans. I will always give my heart and soul for Juve until I change shirts this summer."
Toronto, who also boast Michael Bradley and Steven Caldwell on their roster, have competed in MLS for eight years but have yet to reach the play-offs.
