Hearts in the Air: Lorenzo Insigne receives a warm welcome from loyal Toronto FC players

Toronto — Hundreds of Hands Toronto FC fans Lorenzo・ When I sang and cheered on Insigne, we formed a heart together.

Visibly touched Insigne quickly returned his affectionate gesture.

Insigne was officially introduced to Toronto FC fans on Friday night. This is a celebration about seven months after the Italian national team signed with the Major League Football Club on January 8th.

"Thank you. Come on," Insigne said through an interpreter. "I hope we can contribute to Toronto and bring victory during the match."

After that, Incine switched to English and shouted "All for One" to conclude his short appearance on stage. I did. Fans cheer for the Toronto FC motto and head towards the microphone.

Toronto's arrival could breathe hope into the TFC season as Toronto is in 12th place with a 4-3-8 record at the MLS's 14-team Eastern Conference.

A 31-year-old from Naples, Italy, has scored 132 goals in 416 appearances, primarily in Naples, the Serie A club.

Insigne (pronounced In-SEEN-ya) has a four-year contract with the Reds to join MLS as the highest-paying player.

He overtakes Chicago's Xherdan Shaqiri, who is currently above US $ 8,153,000 on the league's salary list.

Incine said on Friday that he was ready for the challenge.

"(TFC President Bill Manning) did a great job. He really sold me on the project, and the project is great," a gesture of mind as a homage to his wife. Incine said.

"I know it's difficult because it's my first time away from Naples, but it's great for me and my family."

He's the MLS secondary transfer window. On July 9th, two days after the opening, I plan to play my first game against San Jose Earthquakes at home.

TFC will have played 18 of 34 regular season games by then.

Veteran left-back Domenico Criscito is reported to have agreed to a deal with Toronto FC, so Insigne's support may be on the way.

The 35-year-old defender has been playing for Genoa since 2018.

Hundreds of people were waiting for Incine for hours on the side streets of Little Italy in downtown Toronto.

A small stage was set up next to the popular Cafe Diplomatico restaurant, where MCs Maria Papadakis and Rick Campanelli performed dance music while entertaining the audience with prizes and contests.

Kamil Cartel, a fan who took the stage to see how long he could scream a "goal" like an Italian football station, loves to see Toronto FC fans get together. He said.

"It's great to see a lot of familiar faces around," said the cartel, gesturing to the crowd. "I love having such a big signature. I love the community."

About 20 members of the Naples Club Toronto are insigning jerseys. He wore a scarf and banner with the team logo on it.

When Incine arrived at the scene with police escorts, members of the Supporters Club led the chant of Naples to welcome Incine.

"He's like Diego Maradona of our generation," said Luca Lombardi, referring to the co-winners of the 20th-century FIFA players who played in Naples from 1984 to 1991. Told.

"Maradona was the hero of all Naples people when he was playing for the people of Naples in the 1980s and 1990s.

" 2000s, 2010s For us in the 2020s, Incine is our hero. This makes the most sense to us. "

This report by Canadian Press was first published on June 24, 2022. it was done.