In a recent interview on Italian television, Sebastian Giovinco’s agent, Andrea D’Amico, admitted that Barcelona contacted him about his client, but that the Atomic Ant will be remaining in Major League Soccer with Toronto FC.
Sebastian Giovinco’s inaugural Major League Soccer campaign may have been the greatest season in the league’s history that an individual player has ever had. He became the first person in MLS history to score at least 15 goals and 10 assists, putting 22 balls in the back of the net and combining it with a league-leading 16 assists. Despite the club being eliminated by the Montreal Impact in the first round, the Italian led Toronto FC to their first ever playoff berth, with seven game-winning goals during the regular season.
Giovinco’s brilliance in MLS has not gone unnoticed on the other side of the Atlantic, with Antonio Conte calling him up to the Italian National team for European Cup qualifiers. Apparently, the Atomic Ant has also garnered interest from at least one of the planet’s biggest clubs as well.
In a recent Italian television interview with Rai’s Sport’s Zona11 show, Giovinco’s agent, Andrea D’Amico, admitted that Barcelona contacted him about the his client’s services. When asked whether Barcelona had been interested in Giovinco, D’Àmico confirms there had been some talk, but nothing too serious.
"“There was interest, but nothing too in-depth. It’s a little amazing that these kinds of teams didn’t get in touch with him before he went on his adventure in North America. But right now he’s concentrated on his decision [to play for Toronto FC].”"
The Italian international made the move to Toronto on a free transfer, as his contract with Juventus was set to expire at the end of last year’s Serie A season. While having their star player linked to big European clubs could cause some concern for TFC fans, DÀmico went on to confirm that his client will be back with the Reds for the start of training camp, and that he will not be heading back to the Italian peninsula on loan during the MLS off-season.
"“No. Absolutely not,” D’Amico said in response to a question about a potential loan to Lazio. “Giovinco made a decision [to play for Toronto FC] of which he’s absolutely convinced and with which he’s happy. And on top of that, Toronto FC have invested in him for a project that is not based on single moments or buzz. So now they go on vacation and they start preparations again in Florida at the end of January to get ready for the next season and to do even better [than 2014].”"
Toronto finished the 2015 campaign in 6th place in the Eastern Conference standings, with 49 points from 34 matches. They will be looking for a better season in 2016, with Giovinco back electrifying BMO Field.