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Whether you like it or not, whether you are still hurt or you have moved on, Sebastian Giovinco has re-emerged as a hot topic in Toronto in the past few days.
A tweet from radio personality Joey Vendetta sparked rumours of a possible return of the Atomic Ant to Toronto FC after his departure in the off-season.
Hearing from legit #italian sources #Giovinco is open to @TorontoFC return. Start digging @JohnMolinaro
— Joey Vendetta (@RadioVendetta) June 16, 2019
In fact, Vendetta wrote that he heard from legit Italian sources that Giovinco would be open to a return to MLS with the Canadian side.
Adding fuel to the fire were the players, in particular defender Chris Mavinga who commented on Giovinco's recent Instagram post, telling the Italian to “come back home.”
But, what are the parties involved in this situation — Sebastian Giovinco and Toronto FC — saying about all this?
Giovinco, 32, was spotted in the streets of Milan last Wednesday and Sky Sports did an improptu interview with him, asking about his future and a possible return to Toronto or Italy.
“La nostalgia dell’Italia c’e sempre. Il futuro? Ora torno all’#AlHilal per il ritiro, nel calcio però mai dire mai”: Sebastian #Giovinco a Milano su #skysport e @DiMarzio #calciomercato pic.twitter.com/vRAZaaIShO
— Marco Bovicelli (@MarcoBovicelli) June 26, 2019
Asked whether he was considering a return to Italy, Giovinco said that he was just in his native land for a break before returning to Al-Hilal for the pre-season.
Interestingly, he underlined the fact that in soccer, you cannot close the door for any type of opportunity.
“You know more than me that in soccer you never know, but for now my future is at the United Arab Emirates and then we will see,” he said. Enough hints that he already wants to quit?
Moreover, Giovinco was asked whether he would consider a return to Italy, but while admitting that he misses his own country, the former Juventus player did not give any suggestions that he is in talks with any particular club.
Across the Atlantic, TFC president Bill Manning spoke to TSN prior to the Atlanta United game, heaping praise on Giovinco while underlining that Alejandro Pozuelo is now their star and they should focus on him. Yet, he did not deny that he is interested, so that could mean something.
.@TorontoFC President Bill Manning joins @KristianJack to discuss Alejandro Pozuelo's All-Star game selection, Greg Vanney's role and the possibility of a return from Sebastian Giovinco. pic.twitter.com/Km7su5z0sk
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 27, 2019
While both parties could be tempted to return together, until then we just absorb as many hints as possible from their quotes.