Landon Donovan USA 06232017

‘Mexico has taken our oldest and youngest’ - Reaction to Donovan’s move to Leon

It seems safe to say Landon Donovan shocked at least the United States and Mexican soccer worlds late Friday night when he announced a sudden end to his retirement.

The former U.S. international last suited up for a brief spell with the LA Galaxy in 2016, but everything looks set for a return to the field with Liga MX side Leon for the 2018 Clausura.

Naturally, this was met with a variety of reactions, from those joking about Donovan’s age to those noting the political statement he seemed to make. And yes, plenty noted this seemed to be the latest turn in the U.S.-Mexico soccer rivalry — especially on the heels of the U.S. losing teenager Jonathan Gonzalez to El Tri earlier in the week.

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But MLS veteran Bobby Boswell wasn’t the only pro to have a comment on the situation. Many of Donovan’s old teammates weighed in, including longtime fellow U.S. international DaMarcus Beasley, who also has some experience in Liga MX.

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