Newly-recruited Toronto FC 'keeper reveals Drake visit helped seal move

Toronto FC pulled out all the (semi-) usual stops in their recruitment of goalkeeper Sean Johnson, wining and dining the former New York City FC shot-stopper at upscale Italian restaurants, seating him courtside during a Toronto Raptors game ... and, of course, having the city's top ambassador put in a good word as well.

Speaking to reporters during his introductory press conference on Wednesday, Johnson revealed he received a shock guest during Toronto's pitch meeting over dinner, as Toronto's favourite son Drake stopped by for a quick chat upon club president Bill Manning's request.

"(It was) pretty cool to meet him,” Johnson said, as quoted by MLSsoccer.com. "I think it was my second time meeting him, but terrific guy, terrific ambassador of the city. You kind of see from afar in terms of when Toronto's mentioned, his name quite often comes up."

The rest, as they say, is history. The Reds signed the 33-year-old MLS Cup MVP, shoring up their No. 1 ahead of the 2023 MLS season. While Johnson had other offers to consider – including re-signing with NYCFC – the decision was fairly straightforward once the ball was set in motion.

“For me, being patient in my career has given me the ability to make the right decisions," Johnson said. "Ultimately, I have full confidence that this is the perfect place for me. Hats off to Bob [Bradley] and Bill, they respected that time I wanted to take to make sure it was right for myself, my family."