NEW YORK -- Toronto forward Sebastian Giovinco has been voted Major League Soccer's Newcomer of the Year.
The 28-year-old forward joined the team in January from Juventus and was ineligible for Rookie of the Year consideration because of his previous professional experience.
Giovinco scored 22 goals, tied with Columbus' Kei Kamara for the league lead. Giovinco won the Golden Boot based on his league-leading 16 assists.
News: Sebastian Giovinco named @MLS newcomer of the year. Details → https://t.co/VlFFY7phHE pic.twitter.com/fBj2Jm7S2r
- Toronto FC (@torontofc) November 23, 2015
MLS said Monday that Giovinco received 208 percent of combined team, media and player votes, which total 300 percent.
Montreal forward Didier Drogba, who made his MLS debut in late August, was second with 32 percent and New York Red Bulls forward Mike Grella was third with 14 percent.
Giovinco's award came on the same day that his agent ruled out an offseason loan move, but also said the Italian has drawn attention from Barcelona.
"Actually, the Blaugrana are scouting him since long time," Andrea D'Amico told Calcio Mercato. "No concrete approach, by the way, only a general interest."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.