To the Toronto FC family, fans, and the beautiful game that shaped my life,

I’ve made the decision to retire from professional soccer. It’s a bittersweet moment for me, and it’s not because I’ve lost the passion for playing. After three grueling years battling Acute Undifferentiated Leukemia, my body simply can’t sustain the demands of the sport anymore. To the Toronto FC family, fans, staff, and teammates, I want to express my deepest gratitude for embracing me as one of your own. For the past two years, I dedicated myself fully to returning to the pitch, training tirelessly on my own, day in and day out.

Every step of my treatment, every round of rehab, and every setback I faced was driven by a single goal: to play again at BMO Field under the lights. However, after a relapse and my ongoing battle with chronic GVHD, I have reluctantly come to the realization that returning to the highest level of competition is no longer feasible. When I faced cancer, I learned something more important than just the game.

Life is more than what we do on the field. This journey taught me to appreciate the things I used to take for granted—being present, being alive, and finding peace beyond winning or losing.

I might appear fine from the outside, but the reality is chronic GVHD is no joke. I deal with constant cramps, inflammation across my fascia, and all the other side effects, affecting me whether I'm walking, sitting, or even resting. It's not just about pain; it's about preserving the quality of my life. Eventually, my goal wasn’t about getting back to the game, but about simply living well. This shift in perspective, though incredibly difficult, gave me clarity on what truly matters. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout my career and especially during my cancer treatment.

The fight is far from over, but your constant encouragement and belief in me were pure motivation during my darkest times, and I cannot thank you enough for standing by me every step of the way, even from afar. I am excited about what’s ahead for me, and this isn’t a goodbye. Until our paths cross again, good luck and I will always be cheering for you guys.

Once a Red, always a Red.

Tsuba