02 February 2015
Sebastian Giovinco has today ended his time in Turin and completed a move to MLS Soccer side Toronto FC.
A Bianconeri academy graduate alongside Claudio Marchisio and Paolo De Ceglie, Giovinco first came to the attention of fans in May 2007, when he emerged from the substitutes bench to weigh in with a fine assist for David Trezeguet on his debut against Bologna.
A season of first-team experience then followed for the striker and his team-mate Marchisio, with both joining Empoli on loan for the 2007/08 campaign.
Returning to Juventus for the subsequent campaign, Giovinco treated supporters to a sign of things to come when he curled in a trademark free-kick, his first goal in the black and white stripes, to set the visitors on their way to a 2-1 win over Lecce at the Stadio Via Del Mare in December 2008.
Eighteen months later he was on the move again, joining Parma on a co-ownership agreement. His impressive performances at the Stadio Tardini, where he produced 23 goals and 22 assists in 70 appearances, saw the Bianconeri swoop to bring him back in the summer of 2012.
He slotted into Antonio Conte’s reigning champions elect with consummate ease, forming an instant understanding with strike partner Mirko Vucinic. This tandem came to life in the second game of the campaign, a 4-1 away demolition of Udinese in which Giovinco netted a double.
In Europe Giovinco helped Juventus on their run to the Champions League quarter-finals, striking in comprehensive home wins over Nordsjaelland (4-0) and Chelsea (3-0).
The arrivals of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente the following summer saw him find regular game time harder to come by, but he was always on hand to provide a telling contribution when called upon.
His last appearance, a man-of-the-match display in the Bianconeri’s 6-1 Coppa Italia last 16 drubbing of Hellas Verona on 15 January at Juventus Stadium, ultimately proved to be a fitting send off for a player who has always held the black and white stripes dear to his heart.
Everyone associated with Juventus Football Club would like to thank Seba for all his efforts and wish him every success for his new adventure in Canada.
