TORONTO – “And baby, I'm TFC 'til I die!”
Those were some of the famous words that Jozy Altidore uttered on a stage at Nathan Phillips Square in December 2017 as Toronto FC celebrated their MLS Cup victory.
On Thursday, TFC announced that the 29-year-old striker had signed a contract extension that will keep him with the club through the 2022 season.
“This is home for me, for my little family,” said Altidore during the press conference this afternoon. “We love it here, we want to be here. I love playing at BMO [Field], that's no secret. I love scoring goals there. To have the opportunity to keep building what we have going on here is a dream come true.”
There were other opportunities for Altidore, but the past has taught him the grass is not always greener.
“Every time I've got to this point in my career, I've always made a so-so decision, going to places where you don't know what is next,” explained Altidore. “Here I have an idea of how we want to play, our players, what we've been able to produce, and I know the staff really well. I felt that for my career, to keep improving, this was the best choice for me.”
All three of TFC's Designated Players — Michael Bradley, Sebastian Giovinco, and Altidore — entered the final year of their current deals in 2019. That Giovinco chose to pursue other opportunities and was sold abroad was a factor in TFC president Bill Manning's decision-making.
“When we weren't able to come to terms with Sebastian, I made it a point that we were going to be able to with Jozy,” said Manning, relaying how a chat over coffee in California clinched the decision. “I saw the hunger in his eyes, he wanted to be here, and was willing to work with us. We were able to create a contract that made sense for us and for him.”
“His salary is going to be different,” added Manning. “Still amongst the highest in the league.”
Said Altidore: “In any relationship, it's compromise, it's give-and-take. I love this place, I feel comfortable here; can work every single day to my maximum and have a platform to perform. To have the opportunity to stay was number one on my list.”
In the decisive moments, as Bradley explained, Altidore has been there for TFC.
“To get Jozy locked in is so important. You can't say that enough,” smiled Bradley. “Since he walked through the door, he's been there on all the biggest days. When we've needed goals, big moments, he has been there and come through over and over and over again. For everybody on the inside of this club, for fans, today is a big, big day.”
Altidore, who is still recovering from offseason surgery, targeted Toronto's MLS home opener on March 17 against the New England Revolution for his return.
“I look forward to getting Jozy back on the field,” said TFC coach Greg Vanney. “He's very close, been working extremely hard. For that we're all excited. He's going to be the focal point of everything we're doing in the attack this year: to get him opportunities, get him in front of goal, get him the chance to be the guy for us.”
Added Altidore: “I'm excited; I'm hungry. I can't wait to get on the field.”
“When you walk through the locker room today you can feel the energy, everybody is buzzing, itching, to get forward and get going,” continued Altidore. “When I arrived, I didn't know what to expect, but I was excited at the challenge. I knew something special was brewing. We've seen what it can be. Now, it's all about getting back, that's the focus.”
