Toronto FC President and CEO Tim Leiweke has issued an explosive ultimatum to supposed wantaway striker Jermain Defoe after reports claimed the England striker wants to return to the English Premier League.
There is no smoke without fire, and reports from across both sides of the Atlantic have insinuated that Defoe is bound to return to the EPL after a successful but controversial time in Canada.
Reports reveal that Defoe is set to reunite with former manager Harry Redknapp at QPR, with whom Defoe has played for at three different EPL clubs.
Make your mind up
But speaking this week, the Toronto boss Tim Leiweke had harsh words for Defoe as he urged the diminutive striker to make up his mind.
“Jermain needs to decide if he wants to be here. If he does, then I think he’s one of the great strikers in MLS. If he does not, then that situation is ours to ultimately decide — not his — because we own his contract."
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Good times for Toronto
But despite the prospect of losing Defoe to the EPL, the Toronto boss believes the club will be able to sell Jermain for the right price.
"We’re not going to give him away. And so we’re in a good spot. The one thing I can promise our fans — one way or another, this will end well for TFC. (I) guarantee it.”
Looking forward
Even though Defoe clearly wants to part with Toronto, Leiweke insists there are plenty of quality players currently playing for them that prove the team has a bright future ahead.
“We know this is a great place to play, we know we have guys like Michael Bradley that love Toronto. Gilberto loves Toronto."