TFC: a comeback without rancor for Jozy Altidore

Left out by Toronto FC since the start of the season due to a difficult relationship with Chris Armas, Jozy Altidore has resumed training with his teammates, a few days after the head instructor’s dismissal, and he is determined to help the club out of the bottom spot of Major League Soccer (MLS) overall standings.

It was during a meeting held on May 22 against Orlando City SC, which ended with a loss of 1 to 0, that the situation worsened between Altidore and Armas. The striker apparently did not appreciate being taken out of the game in the 70th minute.

• Read also: A CF Montreal player in the eleven of the week

• Read also: MLS: five crazy transfer rumors

Several weeks later, the TFC were 1-8-2 and general manager Ali Curtis made the decision to fire Armas to replace him with his deputy Javier Perez on an interim basis. And he wasted no time in contacting Altidore to rebuild the bridges.

“Things happen all the time, argued Altidore, Monday, by video conference. And I think sometimes when you’ve been at a workplace for a long time, it’s important to remember that you’ve been through a lot together. So, for me, I don’t hold a grudge against anyone. I don’t think it’s good to wish people harm. All I want to focus on right now is the positive. ”

“I just want to focus on my teammates, on this incredible city. I have missed just being a part of this group and representing this city for the past couple of months. And that’s all I want to focus on: helping us change course this season and once again show that brand of Toronto FC football that we’ve presented over the past six or seven years. ”

A big mistake

Now Altidore wants to return to training as quickly as possible. If it was up to him, he would take part in next Saturday’s duel against Orlando, which could also take place in Toronto, where the team would return to BMO Field for the first time since last September.

“I’ve been alone for almost 10 weeks now,” said Altidore. I trained, but without a match, without real opponents or anything like that. It will be something that I will have to overcome, but it is nothing that I have never done before. It will probably take me a few weeks to get started, but it is and I am delighted to be back here. ”

And without a doubt, Altidore’s optimism will rub off on his teammates.

“Let me tell you, if someone has already dismissed us, they are making a big mistake. Because this locker room is a locker room for champions, it is a locker room for winners. «