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“To do that, you need as many good players as possible (and signing a TAM deal) gives us the possibility to do that.”

The new deal is said to be worth between $1 million and $2 million per year.

“He made it clear from Day 1 that it’s never been about the money,” Manning continued.

“Michael has earned good salaries over the years and he’s paid his end of the bargain. The fact that he was willing to accept a TAM for us just allows our club to go out and get another impact player to help us compete, help us be a championship quality club.

“When he talks about this being his home, he means it,” the prez added. “And he was willing to take a hometown discount to stay here and that says a lot about him.”

Toronto has become a special place for Bradley and his family. The Princeton, N.J., native loves everything about the team, the city and the country — the tolerance, the diversity, how progressive Canadian society can be.

But also the fact that the Reds get some of the best support in MLS. As a sports town, Bradley said Toronto is “unique”.

“When you look at the reception that Kawhi (Leonard) gets (Wednesday) night when (the L.A. Clippers were in town). When you look at the support that we consistently get. The excitement around the Leafs and the Raptors and the Jays. That part is so unique,” Bradley said.

“I remember at one point when Seba (Sebastian Giovinco) was still around. At some point fairly early on — might have been 2016 when we were able to go on a good run into the playoffs and really started to understand what the atmosphere and what the support and what this city could be like when we get things going — I remember he looked at me, and his English was not perfect at that point, but he looked at me and said: ‘This is unbelievable.’