Toronto FC sells star Sebastian Giovinco to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal

Toronto had already turned down one bid for the Atomic Ant from a Middle East club. But facing an impasse in contract negotiations, it got what it could for Giovinco with the January FIFA transfer window about to close.

Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco, left, battles with Philadelphia Union's Auston Trusty as they go after the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Friday, June 8, 2018, in Chester, Pa. Toronto FC won 2-0. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)Read moreChris Szagola / AP (custom credit) / AP

by The Associated Press

Published Jan. 31, 2019, 9:56 a.m. ET

TORONTO (AP) — The Sebastian Giovinco era in Toronto is over.

Unwilling to meet the Italian star's contract demands, Toronto FC sold Giovinco to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal FC on Wednesday.

Toronto did not provide details of the transfer fee. But Al-Hilal, a 15-time Saudi champion, said the 32-year-old Giovinco had signed a three-year deal in Los Angeles.

"Welcome Giovinco," the Riyadh-based club said in a social media video posting.

"I'd like to thank the fans and my teammates for four special years playing for Toronto FC," Giovinco said in a statement. "I'd also like to thank the club for helping me as I transition into the next phase of my career."

That statement doesn’t mean he was happy, though. He let out his true feelings in an Instagram post late Wednesday night:

View this post on Instagram

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

A post shared by Sebastian Giovinco (@sebagiovincoofficial) on Jan 30, 2019 at 8:53pm PST

Giovinco topped MLS last year with a $7,115,000 salary. The former MLS MVP missed preseason training this week in California, with a club spokesman saying Giovinco had been excused due to “leg tightness.”

In four seasons with Toronto, Giovinco had 68 goals and 52 assists in 114 regular-season games (111 starts). He won MVP honors in his debut 2015 season, when he was directly involved in 65 percent of Toronto’s 58 goals with 22 goals and 16 assists. In all competitions, he had 83 goals and 64 assists in 142 appearances. TFC made the playoffs for the first time in his first year, reached the MLS Cup final in 2016 and won it all in 2017, capturing the MLS championship, Supporters' Shield and Canadian Championship.

The Associated Press