Julian de Guzman back in Canada with FC Toronto

Sep 12, 2009 - 1:02 AM TORONTO(AP) -- Toronto FC signed Julian de Guzman as its designated player on Friday, bringing home the Canada midfielder after more than a decade in Europe.

"This is a dream come true for me, to be part of a professional team at this level in Toronto," de Guzman told a news conference. "I'm home again. Couldn't ask for anything better."

De Guzman, who signed a 3 1/2 year deal, became the first Canadian to play in Spain when he joined Deportivo in 2005. He spent four years in La Liga after five with two German teams before returning to MLS when Toronto pursued him.

"We made it happen and we think it's a wonderful signing," said Mo Johnston, Toronto FC's director of soccer.

De Guzman, who has made 40 appearances for Canada, can play both as a holding and attacking midfielder for Toronto (8-9-7). He left home at 16 after being discovered by French club Olympique Marseille, and went to Germany to join lower-level club FC Saarbruecken before moving to Hannover 96 of the Bundesliga in 2002.

The designated player is a salary cap exception that allows MLS teams to sign marquee players such as David Beckham without going over the league payroll limit.