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Auf Wiedersehen in German, then, to Torsten Frings, a legend of the game of football and Toronto FC’s finest player. With a press conference called, and the promise of a major announcement on the cards, fans of Toronto FC knew well enough the news awaiting them would be bittersweet, indeed.
Before morning turned to afternoon, Frings had called it a day, hung up his boots one final time. The German midfielder announced his retirement from football on Tuesday morning, after failing to recover from a hip injury over the offseason.
Rehabilitation in Germany with doctors from Toronto FC by his side saw Frings return to a semblance of fitness, but preseason training brought back the pain that ruled him out in 2012. The result on this day is one of defeat. Frings falls a warrior on the field, a player who always gave it his all.
“I can’t help the club if I’m not 100 per cent fit, and I’m not 100 per cent fit,” conceded Frings, looking sombre, too humble for his quality. “I need too much time.”
Time, unfortunately, is something Toronto FC simply can’t afford.
At 36-years-old, Frings is older than many players in Major League Soccer, and calls it a day on his career during an age that, well, many players do. Past 35, there are few players who continue to play, and for every Romario or David Beckham that keep their careers alive, there are many, many players who hang their boots at this very point.
Still, it was his hip injury, not a tiredness of the game, nor a lack of determination, that forced Frings’ hand. Every player wants to play; very few look forward to retirement. Frings steps away well loved in Toronto, a loyal servant for club and country.
Does this mean the end of Torsten Frings at Toronto FC? Not necessarily.
Frings’ retirement opens doors in Germany, and Payne made it clear that Frings’ relationship with Toronto FC isn’t finished. Payne spoke of his desire to build a relationship with Werder Bremen, opening in-roads into Europe.
Frings’ retirement opens in-roads into Germany, and allows Toronto FC to build a relationship with Werder Bremen. They, too, are a club that shares a similar respect and admiration for Frings, something Toronto FC’s management will surely use to their mutual advantage.
Frings will not be the first player who continues fostering a relationship with Toronto FC. Payne also cited the club’s connection with former midfielder and Honduran international Amado Guevara. He mentioned that Toronto FC is looking at a pair of Honduran players with the help of Guevara, one of whom is Alfredo Mejia of Motagua. Mejia has 15 international caps with Honduras and plays as a midfielder.
Speaking of potential signings, Payne mentioned a few players the club is looking at.
Hogan Ephraim is closest to signing, with Payne saying a deal was one or two days away. Ephraim joined the squad on trial last week after a series of tweets saw him linked to Toronto FC. Payne confirmed that Ephraim did indeed come to Toronto for a look, and that the club is looking to sign him on loan from Queens Park Rangers.
Another Englishman on trial is 21-year-old John Bostock, who was signed by Tottenham Hotspur and sent on a series of loans around England for the past few seasons. He joins Toronto FC camp after failing to sign a contract with the San Jose Earthquakes in the offseason.
Payne also revealed interest in Maccabi Tel-Aviv forward and Welsh international Robert Earnshaw. Though he’s not a big target up front, any help in the forward line is welcome at this point.
Finally, Pat Onstad is scouting a young designated player in Argentina. Payne also said he was impressed by Academy product Jonathan Osorio.
Hogan Ephraim; John Bostock; Robert Earnshaw; Alfredo Mejia; another Honduran, and a young DP from Argentina; potentially Osorio – could these players be the answer to Toronto FC’s 2013 season? Payne made it clear that the roster would not be completed by the end of the week, and that work would continue throughout the season, but without Torsten Frings, Toronto FC is thinner now than they have been in years.
It’s time to stock up. There’s plenty of allocation cash available, a pair of DP spots, and a need in multiple positions. These coming weeks may be the busiest weeks this season. Without Frings, Toronto FC is in need of a new leader.
Could it be Stefan Frei? Darren O’Dea? It’s up to head coach Ryan Nelsen.
These are all questions that will be answered in the coming weeks. Today was a testament to Torsten Frings, a silent leader, and an example on and off the pitch.
Payne spoke of Frings’ favourite past-times: watching the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Toronto Raptors, or dragging his agent to Blue Jays games. It was clear that Frings loves the city of Toronto.
“This is a great city, I love Toronto, special thanks to Tom Anselmi; he’s one of the greatest guys I’ve met in this business,” said Frings. “I’m very happy I could live here. It’s great, I want to come back every year for vacation – I love Toronto. It was a great experience for me, to play for this franchise, and all I want to say is thank you.”
Our heartfelt thanks (Ein herzliches Dankeschön) Torsten, for all the memories: best of luck to you in the next phase of your footballing career!
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