Sebastian Giovinco has been a massive hit in Major League Soccer since joining Toronto FC from Juventus in 2015.
The transfer came as something of a surprise, despite the fact his final few seasons in Turin had been underwhelming.
Giovinco was in his mid-20s and could still have done a job for a club competing at the highest level of European football.
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However, the Italy international was lured to Canada by his current employers and, certainly for Toronto and Giovinco, it’s proved an inspired move.
The 29-year-old netted 23 goals in 35 appearances during his debut campaign for Toronto, and made it 13 goals for the 2016 campaign with a quite brilliant strike during last night’s 3-0 victory over Columbus Crew.
Video: Giovinco scores Goal of the Year contender
The diminutive forward, known affectionately as the ‘Atomic Ant’, picked up the ball in space and launched a fizzing effort with the outside of his right boot towards goal.
Giovinco’s strike was absolutely perfect and Steve Clark, the Columbus Crew goalkeeper, could do nothing to prevent the ball from nestling into the top corner of the net.
Toronto up to third in MLS Eastern Conference
The Italian’s goal helped lift Toronto to third place, behind New York City FC and New York Red Bulls, in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Only David Villa, who plies his trade for New York City FC alongside Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo, has scored more league goals than Giovinco this season.
As well as the top scorer award, Giovinco could land himself the MLS Goal of the Year accolade thanks to last night’s strike.
If he does, it would be the first time in MLS history that a Toronto FC player has won the individual award.
At this rate, European clubs will be seriously considering bringing Giovinco back to the continent.
Giovinco happy in MLS
However, in an interview with SportItalia earlier this year - per ESPN - Giovinco made it clear that he was delighted with how life was turning out on the other side of the Atlantic.
"I'm very happy with the choice I made," Giovinco told reporters. "Juventus? I miss it, but I made the choice and I'm delighted.
"I knew MLS was a growing league, and I wanted a change of lifestyle. Serie A? For now I don't miss it -- we'll see in a couple of years -- but at the moment I'm happy.
"I don't know what will happen in the future -- you can never say never in football.
"Football in MLS is growing, and in five or six years it will be an even more important league."
Will Sebastian Giovinco win the MLS Goal of the Year award with this strike? Have your say by leaving a comment below.
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