CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 22: Lorenzo Insigne #24 of Toronto FC reacts against Philadelphia Unionat Subaru Park on April 22, 2023 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Former Italy star Lorenzo Insigne has been frozen out of the Toronto FC squad and is getting insulted by MLS fans, despite the team’s obvious struggles.
The 33-year-old was not offered a new contract by his beloved hometown club Napoli in 2022 and surprised many by accepting a free transfer to Major League Soccer.
At the time, he was one of the biggest names in the tournament and given a massive $15m contract to June 2026 as a Designated Player, but his influence has waned.
Insigne pushed out of Toronto FC
The situation hit rock bottom this season when Insigne was effectively frozen out of the squad, not even being called up to sit on the bench.
During the most recent MLS match against the Chicago Fire, some Toronto FC fans even chanted insults at the Italian, although he wasn’t part of the side.
Insigne scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists in 63 competitive appearances for Toronto FC.
He was linked with several European sides in January, including Fiorentina, Como, Venezia, Real Valladolid and Sivasspor, while MLSE President Keith Pelley confirmed that there were “discussions” to trade him to a different MLS team that fell through.
It would seem that the player is fit and ready to feature, but simply isn’t being called upon by coach Robin Fraser.
It’s not as if they are flourishing without him, sitting rock bottom of the Eastern Conference with one point from four games.
Image:Getty
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