TORONTO

The Reds are ready to sign Dwayne De Rosario's cheque.

Not the seven-digit cheque he once coveted. A much different deal, one that has the potential to re-write the wrongs of TFC's -- and De Rosario's -- past.

Remember his audacious cheque-writing celebration in 2010?

Shortly after, the Canadian international was shipped to New York after essentially saying Toronto FC's front office was full of BS.

"Before signing (with TFC in 2009) I spoke with them about becoming a Designated Player," De Rosario told the Sun prior to his departure. "It was promised that I was going to be the Designated Player."

At the time, the 15-year MLS veteran said he'd let his play do the taking, which he did.

During his first two seasons at BMO Field, De Rosario scored 26 league goals in addition to nine assists.

But the DP-level deal never came, leading to D-Ro's departure, The Reds, meanwhile, eventually plummeted to depths never before seen in MLS.

Three years on, things have changed.

A much different, more business-savvy front office alerted the Sun two weeks ago that picking up De Rosario was at least a possibility.

Then, with the third pick in Wednesday's MLS re-entry draft, TFC selected its career leading goal-scorer after his option was declined by D.C. United late last month.

The black and red deemed D-Ro's $600,000 salary too high, making him available to any and all MLS suitors.

As expected, the Reds came calling.

Assuming contract talks have already occurred, meaning a much-lower salary figure is in order, D-Ro knows head coach Ryan Nelsen will ask him to be a complementary piece to Toronto's newest signings -- Brazilians Gilberto and Jackson, so far.

But after fighting through injuries in 2013, there are questions as to how much the MLS great has left in the tank.

Since winning the league's Golden Boot Award in 2011, De Rosario has registered just 10 goals over two seasons. He started just half of United's games last season and Sun sources in D.C. claim the two-time MLS Cup MVP was a bit of a diva in the D.C. dressing room -- a sentiment that has earned him the nickname Me-Ro during his illustrious career.

But there's reason to believe D-Ro is no longer Me-Ro.

Those familiar with De Rosario's final MLS chapter say he's looking to add that extra something to potentially push TFC over the top, an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in his hometown.

"With the new organization and the new direction (TFC) is going, it's obviously going in the right direction," De Rosario told mlssoccer.com. "My intention when I first went to Toronto (in 2009) was to be successful and win a championship. My next objective was to retire in my hometown.

"I still feel good ... I can still create those special moments. I want to go to a team that's focused on winning a championship."

In order to do that, he'll likely need to take a back-seat role -- something he's likely aware of and has been told, seeing as TFC's front office has already gone its separate ways for the holidays.

Still, looking at Toronto's off-season additions, De Rosario's on-field role remains unclear.

The Reds remain on the prowl for a play-maker to sit in the hole ahead of defensive-minded midfielder Matias Laba.

They're also in need of some flank play after trading Bobby Convey to New York two weeks ago, meaning De Rosario could play on the left as a winger.

Additionally, if the Reds run into injury woes up front, De Rosario's more than capable of playing as a withdrawn forward.

It's that versatility TFC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko has been vigilant in finding this off-season -- players capable of filling more than one role.

Even more important for D-Ro, though, is being given the chance to put a disappointing chapter behind him.

Not only was TFC's selection on Wednesday made in an effort to improve the side, it was also made to re-build a bridge between a former hometown hero and his biggest fans, who for too long have been treated with the same disrespect as a number of former players.

It's something TFC's new front office is well aware of and has addressed.

It's almost as if everything is going a little too well this off-season.

DE ROSARIO FILE

Looking over Dwayne De Rosario's illustrious MLS career, which looks set to enter its 16th season.

2001 - San Jose

Five goals, four assists, MLS Cup champion

2002 - San Jose

Four goals, eight assists

2003 - San Jose

Four goals, three assists, MLS Cup champion

2004 - San Jose

Five goals, three assists

2005 - San Jose

Nine goals, 13 assists, Supporters' Shield winner, MLS Best XI

2006 - Houston

11 goals, five assists, MLS Cup champion, MLS Best XI

2007 - Houston

Six goals, four assists, MLS Cup champion, MLS Best XI

2008 - Houston

Seven goals, two assists

2009 - Toronto FC

11 goals, six assists, Canadian Championship winner, MLS Best XI

2010 - Toronto FC

15 goals, three assists, Canadian Championship winner, MLS Best XI

2011 - Toronto FC, New York, D.C. United

16 goals, 12 assists, MLS MVP, MLS Golden Boot, MLS Best XI

2012 - D.C. United

Seven goals, 12 assists

2013 - D.C. United

Three goals, two assists, U.S. Open Cup winner

kurt.larson@sunmedia.ca