All-Star Landon Donovan to Call it Quits After MLS Season
Landon Donovan, a three-time participant in the World Cup is calling it quits after the MLS season concludes this year, he announced on Facebook. ESPN's Doug McIntyre first broke the story.
After careful deliberation and after many conversations with those closest to me, I have decided that this will be my last season as a professional soccer player...
I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have played a role in the remarkable growth of MLS and US Soccer during my playing career. And while my career as a player will soon be over, rest assured I will stay connected on many levels to the beautiful game.
Donovan was left off the 2014 World Cup roster by coach Jurgen Klinsmann, but he did not let that overshadow his excellent career.
He's the all-time leading goalscorer for America in World Cups as well as the MLS' all-time leading scorer. He won the MLS Cup five times and just Wednesday evening, he scored the game-winning goal in the MLS All-Star game.
In 2012, Donovan took a sabbatical from the game after being burned out and becoming concerned over his mental health.
As far as what he'll do after his soccer career comes to an end, Donovan isn't quite sure.
"I think in some capacity I want to coach. I'll certainly want to take some time to relax and get away from this world a little bit. Broadcasting has always seemed interesting to me, and enjoyable. I'm not exactly sure," he said. "But I'll try a lot of things."
"After spending half my life as a professional soccer player, I also am excited to begin a new chapter and pursue other opportunities that will challenge me and allow me to grow as a person," Donovan said.
Donovan has played for the LA Galaxy since 2005. He has also played for Bayern Munich and Everton during the MLS offseasons.
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