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The Caps’ big man in the middle was a loyal soldier for the now-departed Carl Robinson, and was visibly displeased after the coach was let go with five games remaining in the season.

“I’m not happy. It hurts, it hurts,” Waston said after Robinson’s dismissal.

“I’m not happy when they trade a teammate. I’m not happy when they move somebody that I care for, that I love, you know.

“At the end, coaches move, players move. The only person that’s going to stay here forever is the club. That is what this is about.”

Waston’s deal runs through 2019 — he’s one of just five regular starters under contract for next season — but that little technicality didn’t stop defensive partner Tim Parker from being traded before the season began in March.

Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi was asked Tuesday if Waston was on the trading block.

“Nope,” he said. “He’s under contract.”

Pressed further on the issue, he added: “As far as I’m concerned, he continues to play, does his job, and then if something comes up, we’ll entertain it. As far was we’re concerned, he’s bound to us next season.”

Waston’s stock has continued to rise after strong showings internationally for the Ticos in both the World Cup — where he scored the team’s only goal of the tournament — and again in a friendly during last week’s international break.