Landon Donovan ruled out a return for a loan deal to England this morning and while some American and Toffee fans may be groaning, I couldn’t be more excited by his decision. Sure, some would have preferred Donovan to take a permanent move to Europe at the peak of his valuation. Here’s his statements:
“While I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me, I feel that it is important to continue to rest and recover this offseason as opposed to going on loan. I never considered being loaned to a club other than Everton, but I have been playing nearly non-stop for the past two years and I believe that this decision will allow me to perform at my best for the Galaxy and the [U.S. national team] throughout the upcoming year. I look forward to re-joining my Galaxy teammates for the start of preseason training next month and beginning our quest for another MLS Cup championship.”
So there you have it. The MLS finally has retained top-tier American talent (for now) in a time when the first breath of stardom occurs for a young USMNT player, he’s on a plane to Europe. Personally, I think it is quite admirable for Donovan to stay. Yes, I realize he is tired and has played virtually non-stop for 2 or 3 years. But Donovan has stuck my his word for most of his celebrated career and one of the most capped USMNT players will be sticking around for a while longer. MLS commissioner Don Garber will be jumping for joy at this news and to have home-grown top talent stick around in the league has been one of the major concerns for Garber over the past several years. He finally caught a break.
Donovan is the cog in the wheel that makes the LA Galaxy go, despite the inclusion of Edson Buddle, David Beckham, and (now) Juan Pablo Angel gracing the roster as key proponents. Donovan’s decisive play and creative movement makes everyone on that squad a bit better and a bit hungrier. Donovan tried to give it his all after coming back exhausted from South Africa but the fatigue was evident in his performances, which were not up to par for his standards. Recovering fitness is the key to Donovan’s workaholic demeanor in whatever environment he ends up in and this next month off for the 28-year-old icon will be more crucial than ever. In the prime of his career, Donovan has all the pieces around him to make a push for a dynasty with the Galaxy. Consistent winners make great stories for the MLS, something the league has been looking for since its inception.
So hat’s off to you, Donovan. Keep wearing that La Galaxy and USA jersey.
