“Mimmo is a player who will add a valuable presence of veterans to our team,” said Toronto FC president Bill Manning. “He has played in many important games for the club and his country in his career, he has been captain in Genoa and we are excited to be part of our team.” Criscito, 35, will join Toronto FC after spending the last 15 seasons separated between Genoa CFC and Football Club Zenit (Zenit), where he made a total of 498 appearances, scoring 50 goals in top European competitions such as Serie A, Russian Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League. Cristiano recently played the last four seasons (2019-2022) with Genoa, where he made 109 appearances and scored 20 goals in his third and final pass with the Italian club. Cristiano spent seven years with Russian top-flight side Zenit, where he made 224 appearances and scored 20 goals in all competitions (Russian Premier League, Russian Cup, Russian Super Cup, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League). In seven seasons with Zenit, Criscito has won three titles, including: the Russian Premier League (2011/2012 and 2014/2015), the Russian Cup (2015/2016) and the Russian Super Cup (2015 and 2016). “Mimmo is a flexible defender who is a very good passer and a smart player,” said Toronto FC head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley. “He can play as a left back or center back and he should be a great role model for our young players.” Criscito began his professional career with Genoa, where he made his Serie B debut in June 2003 at the age of 16. Criscito joined Serie A Juventus in 2015, where he made nine appearances before being loaned out to Genoa in 2008. In his second stint with Genoa, Criscito appeared in 125 games and scored six goals. Internationally, Criscito represented his country in the U-17, U-18, U-19, U-20 and U-21 categories, including the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. He made his senior team debut in a friendly against Switzerland on 12 August 2009. He made 26 appearances in competitions including: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (UEFA), FIFA World Cup 2010, UEFA European Championship qualifiers and UEFA Nations League qualifiers. TRANSACTION: Toronto FC signed Italian international defender Domenico Criscito using Targeted Allocation Order (TAM) until 2023. Date of birth: 30 December 1986 (Age – 35) Place of birth: Cercola, Italy
