Jozy Altidore Returns to Roots in Hopes of Igniting His Future

Photo Courtesy of: Light Imaging (www.lightimaging.ca)

After spending the last seven years in Europe, Jozy Altidore has returned to where it all began, Major League Soccer.

Drafted in 2006 by the New York MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls), Altidore spent his rookie season flying back-and-forth between Boca Raton and New York as he worked on his High School diploma, “I would actually stay down in Boca during the week for school and fly to games on the weekends, practice with the team then play,” explained Altidore of his routine during his rookie year.

Despite playing only seven games, Altidore impressed scoring three goals for the Red Bulls. The then-16-year-old became the youngest player to score in the MLS playoffs at the tender age of 16 years and 337 days.

Since then, Altidore has spent the past seven years with stints in European clubs such as Villarreal, Hull City, AZ Alkmaar, and Sunderland AFC.

During his time with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, Altidore set the record for most goals by an American in a European club season with 31 in the 2012-13 season.

Altidore was then sold to Sunderland AFC of the English Premier League where he spent the last two seasons.

The 2013 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year struggled mightily in his two seasons with the Black Cats scoring only three goals in 52 appearances in all competitions.

“The time at Sunderland was a difficult one for a lot of reasons,” said Altidore during his introductory press conference on Friday in Toronto. “A lot of things went on behind the scenes that made it very tough to get off the ground there.”

United States Men’s National Team head coach, Jurgen Klinsmann has been very vocal about his preference that U.S. Nationals test themselves against opponents in Europe’s top leagues, however Altidore says the 1990 World Cup-winner was very supportive of his decision.

“Jurgen [Klinsmann] and I spoke when negotiations got to the advanced stages,” explained Altidore. “We spoke for a long period of time, he was very honest with me and I was very honest with him, and in the end he was really supportive of my move and to see that [the move to Toronto FC] will improve me in the long-run.”

Toronto has not reached the MLS playoffs for an MLS-record eight straight seasons, but Altidore said his longtime friend Michael Bradley played a large role in convincing him to join the Canadian club.

“Michael spoke very highly and positive about this place and the organization,” explains Altidore. “He explained to me what the organization is trying to do and I was really excited that Toronto and I have the same views, and values, which made the choice a very easy one for me.”

Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, ESPN’s ‎Marc Stein reported that Altidore received a five-year deal from Toronto in the $30 million range, putting him on a level with a select few in the league such as USMNT teammates Clint Dempsey, and Michael Bradley as well as top foreigners like New York City FC’s David Villa and Frank Lampard, Orlando City’s Kaká and LA Galaxy’s Steven Gerrard.

“I want to instantly show the fans that I’m here for a reason,” Altidore said at the news conference on Friday. “I’m here to help the team get better.”

“I’m very hungry to succeed. I wouldn’t have come here for any other reason,” added Altidore. “Having a chance to continue my career in the league where it all started for me as a teenager is truly exciting.”

While many see MLS as a retirement league, Altidore explains that this idea is a misconception, “It sure is [a misconception],” explains the Boca Raton native “This league has a lot to offer and a lot of people will see that in the coming years when younger players make the move in their prime.”