Report: Jozy Altidore set to leave Toronto FC, become free agent

Toronto FC's Jozy Altidore. (Andres Kudacki/AP)

Jozy Altidore has reportedly decided to leave Toronto FC and become a free agent, according to Fabrizio Romano, a prominent Italian journalist who specializes in soccer transfers.

The work to terminate his contract is in progress, Romano reported, after which Toronto will have a spot open on its roster to sign a new player.

Altidore's departure would mark an end to one of the most storied tenures in Toronto FC history, highlighted by not only individual success but some of the best years the club has seen, too.

Perhaps the most indelible part of his Toronto story came in the 2017 MLS playoffs. During the second leg of the Eastern Conference Final against the Columbus Crew, Altidore — playing despite an injury he sustained earlier in the game — scored the decisive goal that sent Toronto through to the MLS Cup Final.

In that Final, Altidore delivered the opening goal for Toronto against the Seattle Sounders, too, in 67th minute. Toronto went on to win 2-0, celebrating their victory at home at BMO Field with Altidore named MLS Cup MVP.

Altidore's Toronto tenure began back in 2015, when he was acquired from Sunderland in exchange for striker Jermain Defoe. Five years later, he had appeared in 150 matches for Toronto FC in all competitions.

In 16 games during the 2021 season, the 32-year-old American scored four times.

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