Toronto FC agreed to sell star striker Sebastian Giovinco to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal Wednesday, but it appears the Italian didn't have much choice.
Just hours after the club announced the news, Giovinco took to social media to clear the air and didn't seem pleased with the way his tenure ended.
"As I have always maintained, I was hoping to renew my contract and finish my playing career in a city that feels like home," Giovinco wrote. "Unfortunately, this desire of ours has clashed with a change in direction with current TFC management. For the (past) two 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."
Giovinco leaves TFC as its all-time leading goal scorer (83). He was named MLS MVP in his debut season in 2015 and led the club to a historic treble in 2017, capped by their triumph over the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final.
While Giovinco's time in Toronto came to an unceremonious close, it's clear the city will always be special to him.
"Toronto - the 6ix - you are and will always remain in my heart," Giovinco wrote. "Thank you for everything you have taught me about myself and about life. I love you Toronto!"