Giovinco: 'Barca no, China maybe'

By Football Italia staff

Toronto FC talent Sebastian Giovinco reveals he turned down Barcelona because “I’d have been a ball boy” and leaves the door open to China.

The Atomic Ant turns 30 today and spoke to Sky Sport Italia about his career choices.

“I’ll be honest, I don’t feel older than 27, either mentally or physically,” said Giovinco.

His agent has been telling numerous news agencies about offers coming in from China. Is it true one is from Fabio Cannavaro’s Tianjin Quanjian?

“The market is really hotting up over there. They told me there is interest, so we’ll talk it over with Toronto and see. I am happy here, but we’ll see what the club wants to do.

“My agent told me there is an offer, but did not tell me which club. I certainly don’t miss Italy, as I am happy in Canada and have no intention of returning.

“Since I left Juventus, which remains the strongest team in Italy, I never thought about playing for another Italian club. I’m just not thinking about it.

“What still stings is losing the MLS Final last season.”

Giovinco’s agent also noted the player turned down a proposal from Barcelona last year.

“It’s true, in the past there was interest from Barcelona, but I’d have been a ball boy there. With those three stars in attack, I wouldn’t play at all.

“I wasn’t interested because I wanted to play. Neymar, Leo Messi and Luis Suarez would’ve played even with one leg and still made the difference, so there was no point in me being there.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow