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It is not the big move that fans will be hoping for on transfer deadline day but it is a move none-the-less. Toronto FC confirmed on Thursday morning that Manny Aparicio signed for the club before leaving for Spain to join the Canadian Men's U-18 squad.
It has been an exciting week for the 17-year-old midfielder who not only signed his first professional contract but was also handed his first chance to represent Canada at any youth international level. After being a key player for Danny Dichio's senior academy team, starring in the Dallas Cup, and being a regular in the reserves Aparicio is now reaping the rewards of all those solid performances.
It is good to see a player like Aparicio who was born in Argentina making the choice to not only represent Canada but to also to play professionally in Canada with Toronto FC. His family moved to Canada in 2004 and Aparicio has since become a Canadian and it is a move that seems to be paying off as he is now on the radar for the national program.
Aparicio becomes the eight player to make the jump for the academy to the first team. Toronto FC posted all the normal quotes about the player in their release.
"We're very pleased to have Manny graduate from our Academy to our first team. He's a terrific young man and talented player," said Toronto FC President and General Manager Kevin Payne. "His signing is further evidence of the quality of our Academy."
"Manny is a young talented player with great character and passion for the game," said KIA Toronto FC Academy Director Thomas Rongen. "He is a player that our TFC fans and community can be proud of for years to come."
The most interesting part of the official release was probably the video interview with talking to the player and his parents.
Now the question is just what TFC have planned for Aparicio and if the young midfielder has been signed to play any part this season or if the club is thinking about him long-term. It is likely he will continue to feature in the reserve league matches but that alone will not be enough to properly continue his development so hopefully the club has something more in mind.