Lorenzo Insigne has been officially unveiled by MLS side Toronto FC after the Italian international completed a move worth around $15 a year.
The 31-year-old Italian forward and authorities from the club agreed on a deal that would see the former Napoli star tied to the club until he is 35 years old.
After an illustrious career at Napoli spanning 10 years, the player decided to take a huge step into the next phase of his career. According to football pundits, the move is one that will benefit both the club and the player.
Critics believe that the American outfit will gain a lot from the vast experience of Lorenzo Insigne, whom they believe will play a huge role as a backroom staff after hanging his boots.
While reacting to his big-money move, the Italian forward said he feels no pressure whatsoever. Speaking to journalists during the unveiling ceremony, Lorenzo Insigne said he is well experienced in handling the pressure that will come as a result of the huge price tag.
“I played for 10 years for Napoli and the Italian national team. I won the Euro Cup (European Championship), so I don’t have any problem being under pressure,” Insigne told reporters through an interpreter. “I would rather have my actions speak for me on the pitch.
“I made the decision, not for the money but to find a new life for family and my kids.
“I won a lot with Napoli and I lost as well but I wanted a change and more importantly a challenge. I want people to love me and to understand me better with my action on the pitch.”
You will recall that Lorenzo Insigne reached personal terms with Toronto FC earlier this year, but remained with Napoli to see out his contract. His first game for Toronto will be at home against the San Jose Earthquakes on July 9.
The manager of Toronto FC, Bob Bradley, who expressed his excitement over the transfer, has said he hopes the multiple award winner will bring some good fortunes to the North American club.
Insigne won two Coppa Italia with Napoli and was a positive addition to the Italian team. The team hopes that their prized additional will help lift them into the top half of the league, where they currently sit 11th on the logs.
Speaking on the signing, President of Toronto FC, Bill Manning, was quoted as saying:
“The minute we signed Lorenzo, our profile was raised. We’re seeing interest in our club from abroad in some ways like we’ve never seen it before.
“We’ve had a number of good players sign with this club, but no one of this magnitude.
“We have a lot of ambition at our club and we’re really looking over these next four or five years for Lorenzo to be a foundational piece.”
Do you think Lorenzo Insigne will be a success in the MLS? Let us know in the comments section.
