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Toronto FC will introduce Canadian national team star Dwayne DeRosario as its newest player on Thursday afternoon in Toronto, signaling the long-awaited return of the local standout and putting an end to speculation that DeRosario might not come home after all.
DeRosario has agreed to a new long-term contract that should keep the Scarborough native with Toronto FC for the rest of his career, sources told SBI on Monday. He will not take up the club's Designated Player slot but is expected to earn the highest possible non-DP salary, between $350,000 and $400,000 a year.
Acquired via trade from Houston last month, DeRosario joins a stacked TFC midfield that includes former MLS MVP Amado Guevara, Welsh international Carl Robinson and recent No. 2 overall draft pick Sam Cronin.
The DeRosario signing is one of a handful of moves Toronto is expected to make in the coming months. TFC is looking to add a striker and a central defender before the start of the season. Argentine striker Pablo Vitti has been reported as one of the team's targets.
The club is coming off an impressive haul at the 2009 MLS Draft. The club selected Cronin, striker O'Brien White and standout goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
Now that he has signed, what do you think about DeRosario joining TFC? Do you see Toronto making the playoffs for the first time in club history? Think Toronto has the best midfield in MLS? Still think Toronto has a lot of work to do?
Share your thoughts below.