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Toronto FC's Jozy Altidore agrees to three-year extension

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Toronto FC star Jozy Altidore has signed a three-year contract extension, the club announced on Thursday.

The U.S. national team player will remain with the Canadian side until the 2022 season as a Designated Player.

"This is my family, this club and this city," Altidore said in a team statement. "The fans, from the first day, they accepted me, they gave me the right to show what I'm all about, and they took me in. We've built something great together and I'm really eager to see what's to come."

With Toronto losing the likes of Sebastian Giovinco and Victor Vasquez to overseas clubs this offseason, the Reds were keen to secure the services of Altidore. He has been a key component in Toronto's rise since arriving just prior to the 2015 campaign. He has helped the Reds win five trophies while scoring 60 goals in 113 appearances across all competitions. He has also scored in all five finals he participated in over the last year for both club and country.

Prior to his time in Toronto, Altidore spent seven seasons with a variety of European clubs. This spell included some extended periods of struggle, especially during a two-year stint with Sunderland when he scored just three goals across 52 league and cup appearances. His time with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar was more positive, as he scored 51 goals in 93 league and cup appearances, and led the club to the KNVB Cup in 2013.

Altidore began his professional career with the New York Red Bulls in 2006, and has also spent time with Villarreal, Xerez, Hull City and Bursaspor.

At international level, Altidore has been a consistent presence with the U.S. national team since making his debut back in 2007, totaling 110 appearances. His 41 goals are third all-time behind Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, who each have 57 goals. He won U.S. Soccer's Male Athlete of the Year Award in both 2013 and 2016.