Toronto FC announced today that the club has exercised its one offseason buyout of a guaranteed contract on striker Jozy Altidore. Altidore, who is eligible for free agency, will not count against the club’s salary budget and will no longer occupy a Designated Player spot on the team’s roster. 

“We want to thank Jozy for all of his contributions to Toronto FC over the last seven seasons. He scored some of the most important and memorable goals during the most successful period in our club history,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “We wish Jozy well in this next chapter of his career. His place in TFC history is secure and our fans will never forget the moments he produced.”

Altidore, 32, originally joined Toronto FC on January 16, 2015, from English club, Sunderland A.F.C. In seven seasons with TFC, Altidore made 173 appearances with 79 goals across all competitions (MLS, MLS Cup Playoffs, Concacaf Champions League, Canadian Championship and Campeones Cup). He was a key part of Toronto FC’s 2017 “Treble” winning side. He was named 2017 MLS Cup MVP after scoring the winning goal in TFC’s 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders. During TFC’s run to its first Eastern Conference title in 2016, Altidore had five goals and four assists in six playoff games. Altidore won two additional Canadian Championships (2016, 2018) and two additional Eastern Conference Championships (2016, 2019) during his time with the club. Altidore was also named to two MLS All-Star games (2015, 2017). Altidore departs Toronto as the second-leading scorer in club history.

For more information on a Buyout of a Guaranteed Contract, click here.