Andrea D’Amico, the intermediary who worked on Lorenzo Insigne’s move to Toronto FC, confirms it’ll be from July and doubts the Napoli captain will become ‘invisible’ to Italy coach Roberto Mancini in MLS.
The forward put pen to paper on the contract in a hotel in Rome yesterday afternoon, believed to be a four-year deal with option for a fifth earning €11.5m per season gross plus bonuses.
Although there is the possibility of a January switch, the contract is only valid from July 1, the day after his deal with Napoli expires.
“Working for Toronto FC as their representative, it was very difficult to keep it all under wraps,” intermediary D’Amico told Radio Marte.
He was one of those at the meeting yesterday, along with agent Vincenzo Pisacane, Insigne’s wife Jenny and representatives from Toronto FC.
“Toronto will certainly not have Insigne in January, the move was always meant to be for July. Now Lorenzo is focused on the season with Napoli. I find nothing strange about this, it is a job.”
There have been many comments about the transfer to MLS, suggesting Insigne is purely following money and accepting a minor league when he is still at the peak of his powers.
Sebastian Giovinco complained he became ‘invisible’ for the Italy managers after moving to Major League Soccer, so could Insigne see his Azzurri career dissipate going into the 2022 World Cup?
“Insigne is the captain of Napoli and won the European Championship only a few months ago,” replied D’Amico.
“People have short memories in sport. I don’t think he risks becoming invisible to Italy. It’s an important experience for him, in an increasingly competitive league. They’ll organise the World Cup there in 2026 and Italy could well end up staying in Toronto for logistical reasons in that tournament, while eight or nine Italian clubs are now owned by American and Canadian businesses.”
Others pointed out that it’s a pity Insigne felt the need to accept Toronto FC due to a relative lack of other offers, but did the Napoli captain turn down other Serie A sides for fear of facing his beloved Partneopei?
“You’d have to ask his agent that. I represented Toronto and am proud to have worked on this operation.”