Twitter Reaction: TFC fans gutted over Giovinco transfer news

John Molinaro joined Sportsnet 590 The Fan to talk about Sebastian Giovinco and Toronto FC parting ways, saying he wasn’t surprised based on contract negotiations not playing out to the star’s expectations.

Mike Johnston January 30, 2019, 11:18 PM

News broke Wednesday night that Toronto FC had sold Sebastian Giovinco to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, thus ending one of the most impressive eras in Major League Soccer.

Giovinco, 32, joined TFC four years ago and quickly became a notable figure not only in MLS but also in the crowded Toronto sports landscape.

“I’d like to thank the fans and my teammates for four special years playing for Toronto FC,” Giovinco said in a press release. “I’d also like to thank the club for helping me as I transition into the next phase of my career.”

The diminutive Italian forward helped breathe life into the TFC franchise, scoring 83 goals and 64 assists in 142 total appearances with the club. Named MLS MVP in 2015, the four-time all-star helped lead TFC to its first MLS Cup championship in 2017.

While some TFC supporters seemed perplexed or even angry at how his tenure in Toronto ended, the vast majority of fans were simply saddened by the news and took to social media to express gratitude for Giovinco’s service on the pitch.

Here’s a sampling of that reaction.

https://twitter.com/ThatArabKeeper/status/1090797275973005313

https://twitter.com/gregbradyTO/status/1090797459972907008

https://twitter.com/SeanKeay/status/1090792226207088643

All good things come to an end. Sad, but bound to happen eventually. Hopefully our new GM can turn that transfer fee into something good.

Thank you for your service. It's been an honour and pleasure. #TFClive pic.twitter.com/LYiq9sDRJM

— Sarah O. Swenson (@manic_swens) January 31, 2019

My last moment I captured of #SEBA #TFCLive @torontofc you have broken a lot of hearts tonight. SEBA FOREVER! #giovinco pic.twitter.com/azNQ3TlcC3

— Devon Jackson (@Devyjaxx) January 31, 2019

Well, thanks seba, it was fun.

— Duncan Fletcher (@DuncanDFletcher) January 31, 2019

Giovinco will always be a legend here, man.

— Mario (@91Mario_) January 31, 2019

Can't blame Giovinco for seeking one last big pay day. Speaks volumes of how far #MLS has come.

Used to see players come over to cash in & retire. Seba did the complete opposite. Came in his prime & changed the standard. #GrazieGiovinco #TFCLive

— Marco D'Onofrio (@Kubani7) January 31, 2019

https://twitter.com/LeafsForever2/status/1090800576785346560

Giovinco put this club on another level. It brought @MLS up another level, out of the “retirement league” era and into one where big names in the prime would come and play here. He made Toronto FC one of the biggest names in North America. Grazie, Seba. #TFCLive #GrazieGiovinco

— Essex Red (@TFCGooner2) January 31, 2019

i’m not ready to see seba leave

— Caroline Salame (@caroline_salame) January 31, 2019

Seba celebrating MLS Cup is an all-timer. pic.twitter.com/IoEf6ZKPrb

— Faizal Khamisa (@FaizalKhamisa) January 31, 2019

Oh #TFCLive, how could you?

— David Miller T.O. (@iamdavidmiller) January 31, 2019

Bloody Big Disaster #TFCLIVE

— Miguel (@prizby) January 31, 2019

If Toronto FC sells Giovinco, you would think that they would have replacements lined up to attempt to fill that massive void. Giovinco not only produced on the pitch, but put asses on seats at BMO Field. Now what? #TFC #TFCLive

— Randy Narine (@Randy_Narine) January 31, 2019

What I'll Tell My Son: "Don't be sad it's over; Be happy that it happened"
What I'm Telling Myself "Doubles tonight. I'm drinking doubles tonight" @torontofc #TFCLive #ThanksSeba pic.twitter.com/fViM9C4IUc

— Martyn Bailey (@martyn_bailey) January 31, 2019

Giovinco put this club on another level. It brought @MLS up another level, out of the “retirement league” era and into one where big names in the prime would come and play here. He made Toronto FC one of the biggest names in North America. Grazie, Seba. #TFCLive #GrazieGiovinco

— Essex Red (@TFCGooner2) January 31, 2019

Did Bez leave because TFC is a hot mess or is TFC a hot mess because Bez left. Either way, I like it! #TFClive

— Jake Nemec (@jnemec) January 31, 2019

Also, how the hell did MLS only get $2-3 million as a transfer fee? That’s actually less than half his salary, and he had 1 year left on his deal

— Brendan Dunlop (@Brendan_Dunlop) January 31, 2019

He changed the landscape of MLS. Was the most electrifying player to watch. He proved all doubters wrong and he delivered what he said he would an MLS Championship…Thank you Seba! #TFCLIVE pic.twitter.com/VtPnB1nAwl

— Mass (@MCianfrano) January 31, 2019

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