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Donovan Set To Return For MLS Season
The LA Galaxy have announced via a press report that Landon Donovan will return ahead of the 2009 MLS season.
Mar 5, 2009 9:15:04 PM
In a move that will surprise few who have been keeping track of the saga, the Los Angeles Galaxy have announced through a press release that Landon Donovan will be returning to the Major League Soccer club, as per his loan agreement, by March 10.
The 27-year-old attacker had been on loan with Germany's Bayern Munich, but his performances failed to warrant an offer for a permanent transfer. Despite scoring four goals in five games in friendly games, Donovan has yet to score in competitive matches for the club, and has yet to start, making five appearances in the Bundesliga, and one in the DFB Cup.
“I am very excited to be returning home to my teammates and the LA Galaxy. I would like to thank Bayern Munich for the opportunity to play with one of the premier clubs in Europe, as well as all their coaches and players for welcoming me into the Club,” said Donovan. “Although the results were not what we had hoped for, the time in Germany still was very positive for me. I am fit, motivated, and excited to be coming back as a better, more experienced player."
Despite failing to convince in Germany, Donovan more than contributed in the U.S. last season. He scored a league-high 20 goals, and added nine assists in 25 appearances. He'll return to spearhead an attack that won't have the delivery of David Beckham for the first 17 matches.
“We are looking forward to Landon re-joining the club next week as we continue our final preparations for the 2009 MLS Season, including our final preseason match against the Chicago Fire in Tempe, Arizona,” said LA Galaxy General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena. “He is a very important part of our club and will be coming back to us very motivated and fit for the upcoming season.”
If Bayern don't table a bid, the USA's all-time top international goalscorer should be back in time to play LA's MLS opener in the Home Depot Center against D.C. United on March 22.
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
The 27-year-old attacker had been on loan with Germany's Bayern Munich, but his performances failed to warrant an offer for a permanent transfer. Despite scoring four goals in five games in friendly games, Donovan has yet to score in competitive matches for the club, and has yet to start, making five appearances in the Bundesliga, and one in the DFB Cup.
“I am very excited to be returning home to my teammates and the LA Galaxy. I would like to thank Bayern Munich for the opportunity to play with one of the premier clubs in Europe, as well as all their coaches and players for welcoming me into the Club,” said Donovan. “Although the results were not what we had hoped for, the time in Germany still was very positive for me. I am fit, motivated, and excited to be coming back as a better, more experienced player."
Despite failing to convince in Germany, Donovan more than contributed in the U.S. last season. He scored a league-high 20 goals, and added nine assists in 25 appearances. He'll return to spearhead an attack that won't have the delivery of David Beckham for the first 17 matches.
“We are looking forward to Landon re-joining the club next week as we continue our final preparations for the 2009 MLS Season, including our final preseason match against the Chicago Fire in Tempe, Arizona,” said LA Galaxy General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena. “He is a very important part of our club and will be coming back to us very motivated and fit for the upcoming season.”
If Bayern don't table a bid, the USA's all-time top international goalscorer should be back in time to play LA's MLS opener in the Home Depot Center against D.C. United on March 22.
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
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