Seven years ago, Jozy Altidore embarked on a journey with Toronto FC that would etch his name in the club's history books. The 32-year-old US international forward joined Toronto in 2015, becoming a pivotal figure in the Canadian club's era of success.
Altidore was designated as a franchise player for TFC, expected to bolster the team's bid for the Supporters' Shield under a contract utilizing Targeted Allocation Money. His arrival sparked excitement among fans, and Altidore quickly established himself as a fan favorite with his goal-scoring prowess and dedication on the field.
After bidding farewell to Toronto FC following seven memorable years, Altidore took to social media to express his gratitude. "Thank you Toronto and all the fans for a wonderful 7 years. To all the staff and my teammates throughout this time, THANK YOU!! Toronto will always be home. Thank you MLSE and Larry+Judy Tanenbaum for all of your support over the years. See you soon and all the very best in the future."
Despite his departure, Altidore insists there are no hard feelings on his part. His time at Toronto FC may have ended without fanfare, with TFC selling him with two years remaining on his contract, but Altidore remains appreciative of the experiences and memories he garnered during his tenure.
Throughout his stint with the Canadian club, Altidore left an indelible mark, scoring 62 goals and providing 20 assists in 139 regular-season appearances. He played a crucial role in TFC's historic treble-winning campaign in 2017, clinching the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, and Canadian Championship titles.
Jozy Altidore now stands as the second-highest goal scorer in Toronto FC history, trailing only Italian sensation Sebastian Giovinco. Altidore leaves behind a legacy of success and fond memories that will forever be cherished by Toronto FC and its supporters.