Toronto FC announced Friday the club has signed Welsh International striker Robert Earnshaw. As per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. He will be added to the roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Earnshaw, 31, most recently spent time on loan in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv from Welsh club, Cardiff City F.C (Cardiff City). He began his career with Cardiff City’s youth program and turned professional in 1998. The Welshman made 168 appearances, scoring 83 goals in all competitions in his first stint with the Bluebirds. In 2004, Earnshaw was transferred to Premier League side, West Bromwich Albion F.C. He went on to score 12 goals in 43 appearances over two seasons with the Baggies. On transfer deadline day in January 2006, Earnshaw reached an agreement with Norwich City F.C. of the Football League Championship and finished the season strong scoring eight goals. During the 2006-07 season, Earnshaw led the Championship in goals before sustaining a groin injury. He recovered to finish the season with 19 goals. Earnshaw spent part of the 2007-08 season at Derby County F.C. before leaving in May 2008 for Nottingham Forest F.C.. He remained with Forest for the next three seasons making 105 appearances and scoring 38 goals in all competitions. In July 2011, Earnshaw rejoined Cardiff City on a free transfer. Earnshaw was part of Cardiff City’s squad during the promotion playoff against West Ham United. In September 2012, Earnshaw was loaned to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
“Robbie is an experienced player who has been a consistent goal scorer for club and country,” said Toronto FC President and General Manager Kevin Payne. “With his pace and craftiness we expect him to create challenges for opposing defences. We're thrilled to have him join our team.”
Earnshaw has earned 59 caps and scored 16 goals for the Welsh National Team. He made his international debut and scored the winning goal against Germany in a friendly match at Millennium Stadium in May 2002.
Earnshaw remains the only player to record a hat-trick in every professional division in England, including the FA Cup and League Cup competitions as well as internationally for Wales.
Robert Earnshaw #10
Position: Forward
Height: 5’8
Weight: 160
Birthdate: April 6, 1981
Birth Place: Mufulira, Zambia
Hometown: Cardiff, Wales
Nationality: Welsh
Last Club: Maccabi Tel Aviv (On Loan from Cardiff City F.C.)
How Acquired: Signed with Toronto FC on Friday, March 1, 2013
Pronunciation: “Earn-shaw”
