Sebastián Blanco to depart Portland Timbers after 7 seasons

Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake, US Open Cup

The Portland Timbers’ Sebastian Blanco celebrates a goal in the first half of a U.S. Open Cup tournament match against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Providence Park in Portland.Naji Saker for The Oregonian/OregonLive

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A Portland Timbers icon will be departing the club this winter.

Argentine midfielder Sebastián Blanco is leaving the Timbers after seven seasons, he announced on Instagram on Thursday. Tom Bogert of The Athletic first reported the news Thursday prior to Blanco’s announcement.

“After 7 years the day we didn’t want came,” Blanco wrote in a message to fans on Instagram. “The time to say goodbye, unfortunately it is not as we wish or deserved, face to face. But there are decisions I have to accept. ... It has been an honor and a pride to be part of this community, of this club, of this beautiful history and an enormous privilege to wear this jersey.”

Blanco, 35, joined the Timbers in 2017 by way of Argentine first division club San Lorenzo. In 176 career matches (131 starts) for Portland, Blanco scored 41 goals to go along with 51 assists. He helped lead the Timbers to a pair of appearances in the MLS Cup final in 2018 and 2021, and became a fan favorite for his dynamic play style and competitive fire.

“I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Sebastián, and on behalf of everyone within the club, for his seven incredible years in Portland,” Timbers GM Ned Grabavoy told The Athletic. “Few players have made as great an impact on and off the field, and he will unquestionably go down as one of the greatest to ever wear the green and gold.”

Blanco’s final two seasons in Portland were rife with injury, including chronic knee issues that kept him out for much of the 2023 season. Blanco played in just 17 matches (2 starts) for a total of 427 minutes for the Timbers in the most recent regular season.

It is unclear whether Blanco will pursue other playing opportunities or retire from the game outright. His contract with the Timbers will be allowed to expire, making him free to play wherever is possible.

Blanco thanked fans, former teammates and team staff in his farewell statement.

“These last few years have been difficult,” Blanco said. “Many untold stories (someday...), sad moments, some disappointing but you were always there. I want you to know that I have not kept anything back. I have given everything (literally everything) without expecting anything in return, even knowing that at some point some would forget.”

The Athletic reports the Timbers plan to honor Blanco next season, as the club considers him a legend in the green and gold. Blanco made no mention of such plans in his statement.

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