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DeRo makes his way home to T.O. – Metro US

DeRo makes his way home to T.O.

Toronto FC made it official yesterday when it announced the signing of midfielder and Canadian international Dwayne De Rosario.

This is Toronto — where it’s rare a homegrown talent in any sport returns to play a starring role for the city he grew up in.

That may account for the roller-coaster ride over the last month. When Toronto FC announced in December that it had signed the three-time Canadian soccer player of the year, the reaction from fans and media went from positive to panic quickly. Where is he? Why hasn’t he been introduced? Has he changed his mind?

Certainly, director of soccer operations Mo Johnston and the club made the mistake of announcing the signing before negotiations were finalized, but yesterday TFC put any lingering doubts to rest when it inked De Rosario to a four-year deal.

“I know they have huge fan support and I’m coming here to do the business to help Toronto first make the playoffs and potentially win a championship,” De Rosario said.

It may be an uphill battle for the 30-year-old. A sub-par seven-goal performance last season has cast doubts on his brilliant career. The year before last he was MLS Cup MVP. “He’s a winner. He’s won the league championship four times. As the season goes on that experience is vital to the other guys in the dressing room,” coach John Carver said.