Altidore resumes training with Toronto FC

TORONTO • After kicking the ball around with his teammates at the BMO Training Ground on Monday, Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore kicked around some thoughts with the media.

And one of the most interesting things he conveyed was what he didn’t say, at least not right away.

Altidore was told to leave the team and train on his own after having words with then-head coach Chris Armas during a game against Columbus on May 29, a 2-1 loss. After that incident, TFC GM Ali Curtis talked about looking for ways to move the outspoken forward.

But a few days ago, Altidore said TFC president Bill Manning reached out and asked him to come back. That was followed by a call the next day by interim coach Javier Perez, also saying he would like him back.

And now Altidore is back.

Monday marked the veteran forward’s first day training with his team since May. When asked, though, if he felt he was treated fairly by the club during his banishment, TFC’S second all-time leading scorer did not answer for 12 long seconds.

“Things happen all the time,” he said, finally. “And I think sometimes when you’ve been in a workplace a long time, it’s important to remember that you’ve been through a lot together. So, for me, I don’t hold grudges against anybody. I don’t believe in burning bridges. I don’t believe in wishing bad on people. All I want to focus on now is the positive.

“I just want to focus on my teammates, focus on this amazing city. I just miss being a part of this group and representing this city for the last couple of months. And that’s all I want to focus on, helping us to turn around this season, playing in front of our fans.”