Sebastian Giovinco has officially left Toronto FC to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
The deal was confirmed in a statement on Toronto FC’s official website, with Al-Hilal reportedly paying around $2-3m for Giovinco, who in turn could earn as much as €10m a season.
“I’d like to thank the fans and my teammates for four special years playing for Toronto FC,” said the 32-year-old.
“I’d also like to thank the club for helping me as I transition into the next phase of my career.”
Sebastian Giovinco has officially left Toronto FC to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
The deal was confirmed in a statement on Toronto FC’s official website, with Al-Hilal reportedly paying around $2-3m for Giovinco, who in turn could earn as much as €10m a season.
“I’d like to thank the fans and my teammates for four special years playing for Toronto FC,” said the 32-year-old.
“I’d also like to thank the club for helping me as I transition into the next phase of my career.”
Toronto FC general manager Ali Curtis added: “Seba is any GM’s dream. Coming into the organization, I was really excited to work with him and get to know him as a person and as a player.
“I believe in consistency, so this transfer hits hard in a lot of places. I have so much respect for Sebastian as a player and what he has meant to the organization. His departure presents both challenges and opportunities.
“Obviously, replacing a player like Sebastian is difficult, but we are working diligently and are confident that we will be adding a new Designated Player in the near future who will be an exciting addition to our team.”
Toronto FC President Bill Manning concluded: “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.”
Giovinco joined the Canadians from Juventus in January 2015 and went on to become their all-time leading scorer across all competitions with 83 goals in 142 official appearances.
The Italy international also helped them win their first-ever domestic treble of an MLS Cup, a Supporters’ Shield and Canadian Championship in 2017.