Cann leaves TFC training camp over contract dispute

Canadian defender Adrian Cann, named Toronto FC's most valuable player last season, has left the team's pre-season training camp over a contract dispute.

The team said the 30-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., had turned down the club's offer of a new contract and returned to Toronto. Cann, who made 26 appearances last season in his first year with TFC, had asked to renegotiate his deal.

"We are disappointed that Adrian has decided to return home at this time," Toronto FC coach and technical director Aron Winter said in a statement Wednesday. "Adrian is heading into the secondyear of a four-year contract.

"We are currently in discussions with the league regarding the situation and are assessing the options available to us."

Cann made $65,342 US last season, 17th best on the team according to figures provided by the players' union.

Toronto FC left Florida on Wednesday for Charleston, S.C., to take part in the Carolina Challenge Cup.

Cann, chosen 16th overall in the 2004 draft by Colorado, has also played for the Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps. He spent two years playing in Europe with Danish team Esberg FB and has earned nine caps for Canada.

His MVP award last season was voted on by club staff.