Toronto FC defender Domenico Criscito retires following 2022 MLS season | OneFootball

Toronto FC defender Domenico Criscito has announced his retirement from professional soccer.

Criscito joined TFC less than six months ago on a free transfer from Genoa - the club he made 274 appearances for across three separate spells.

The 35-year-old left-back made 16 appearances during his stay with Toronto, scoring once, though he was unable to help guide them into the MLS Cup Playoffs, with the Reds finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference.

“Mimmo had an exceptional career for club and country, and we are happy we had the chance to work with him the past six months,” Toronto FC president Bill Manning said in a club press release. “During his time with us he has been a true professional on and off the pitch and we wish nothing but the best for him and his family.”

Criscito also played for Juventus and Zenit Saint Petersburg during his career - winning two league titles with the latter - while he picked up 26 senior caps for the Italian national team between 2009 and 2018.

"Thank you very much, Toronto FC, for these six beautiful months. My family and I enjoyed our time in this incredible city, and we felt a part of this great family from day one," said Criscito. "It is time for me to go home and evaluate what I will do for my future. Thank you and All For One."

Following Criscito's departure, Toronto still have two Italian stars to build their 2023 roster around in Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi who, despite the club's struggles, still managed 14 goals and four primary assists in 24 combined MLS appearances during the second half of last season.