TORONTO – The Atomic Ant received a giant welcome Thursday at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
A greeting party of an estimated 300 to 400 people greeted Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC’s newest star signing, upon his sooner-than-expected arrival after his offseason signing that originally had him slated to join TFC in July. Fans stood five to 10 deep outside a side door at the international arrivals area behind a rope that extended the length of the terminal.
The former Juventus star’s flight from Milan was expected to arrive at 2:20 pm ET, but it was delayed until around 3 pm, leading the crowd to grow somewhat restless with chants of “Stamp his Passport!” It was just one of dozens of songs the TFC faithful sang, drawing the attention of travelers and airport staff from the upper rafters.
When Giovinco finally emerged through the doors at 4:30 pm ET, fans reaching for autographs, photos or just a handshake swarmed him, giving the gathered media no chance at interviews. An old man speaking Italian with tears in his eyes placed his hand on Giovinco’s shoulder, wishing him well, welcoming him to the city.
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Not once did the grin leave Giovinco’s face.
He was escorted quickly to a black SUV waiting outside; children chased him, nipping at his heels, though so did the cameramen, who, along with the gathered press, got less than a dozen words out of the city’s newest sporting star.
