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Giovinco open to Chinese offer: 'We'll see'

Nick Turchiaro / Reuters

Toronto FC's instrumental forward Sebastian Giovinco doesn't envisage a return to his homeland of Italy, but hasn't ruled out enjoying the riches of the Chinese Super League after receiving an offer from an unnamed club.

The pint-sized goal plunderer moved from European leviathan Juventus to Toronto in early 2015, and romped to the MLS MVP award in his first season. Last season he was similarly prolific - fashioning 17 goals and 15 assists - but was snubbed in 2016's nominations for the league's top player.

Enveloped by the adulation and pay packet that Canada has to offer, Giovinco hasn't found himself pining for home comforts - but would consider picking up a likely higher salary in the Far East.

"I don't miss Italy," the 30-year-old told Sky Italia, with translation from ESPN FC's Selene Scarsi. "I'm happy here and, for now, I don't have any intention of returning. Since I left Juventus, who are still the best club in Italy, I have never even thought of going to play for another Italian club.

"I'm happy here in Toronto and (going back to Italy) is not something I'm thinking about. Losing in the MLS final last season still pains me - it was a huge disappointment because the city, just like Canada, had never got so far, but we're going to try to go one step further."

Giovinco claimed a goal in a 3-1 knockout win over the Philadelphia Union, and was then relentless against New York City FC, bagging a hat trick in the second leg to claim a whopping 7-0 aggregate victory.

On a personal level, the next two rounds didn't go so well for Giovinco. The 23-time Italy international was forced off during extra-time in a thriller against the Montreal Impact with calf cramp, but TFC proceeded to advance to the MLS Cup final regardless. Then, in the final, the Seattle Sounders' Stefan Frei was unimpeachable between the sticks as the hosting Ontarian outfit lost on spot kicks.

Unfortunately for the BMO Field faithful, there's a chance the fruitless Jozy Altidore-Giovinco tandem in that showpiece, before the Turin native's withdrawal with another injury, could be the last they see of the terrace idol.

"The market in China is on fire and I've been told that there is interest, so we'll see," he admitted. "We'll talk about it with Toronto. I'm happy here and we'll have to see what the club wants to do.

"My agent has told me about an offer, but he hasn't told me which club it's from."

The Reds begin the 2017 MLS campaign with a trip to Real Salt Lake on March 4.

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