If eyes truly be the window on the soul, Toronto FC has picked up a very significant character in Julian DeGuzman.
I just couldn’t help noticing this at Friday’s presser at BMO Field, introducing the most talented member of Canada’s national team as TFC’s first Designated Player.
The eyes:
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Toronto coach Chris Cummins sat to the right, looking sleepless. His eyes seemed very tired and flat. No particular attempt to engage the room.
GM Mo Johnston (left) has eyes that look like the lights on a carnival midway game booth. Bright, flashy and welcoming – but you’ll never know what the odds really are.
And then, in the middle ...
Deep, thoughtful, cunning, calculating, relaxed yet edgy, comfortable yet ready to spring. Julian DeGuzman is an amazing soccer player, and very likely a deep and intriguing person, as well.
I know, it’s a strange lead. But it’s true, and no one else is ever going to report it.
Like the Dichio retirement presser on Wednesday, the DeGuzman event had its awkward moments. There’s no question the man is happy to be here – signing a non-specifically lucrative three-and-a-half year deal to be one of the very best players in all of MLS.
But it’s also, in all likelihood, the death of DeGuzman’s European dream – one he’s been pursuing since he left Scarborough at age 16 to kick it around with Olympique Marseille.
However difficult the decision was – having to sue former club Deportivo La Coruna for unpaid wages, and not being able to remain in La Liga – DeGuzman seems more than ready to accept the role as yet another hometown hero deepening a really quite dangerous lineup for Toronto FC.
I’ll write more when I have more time.
Onward!