Getty Images Landon Donovan came out and said he doesn’t have the fire he once did. The Los Angeles Galaxy star said he was prepared for the next two years, and then would reevaluate. The American talisman mentioned that his heart wasn’t in it as it had been when he was younger, essentially conceding the “who’s better?” argument to Clint Dempsey.
Good for him.
Athletes should always be praised for honesty and candor. But even more credit goes to Donovan for saying something he felt and not worrying about how the world reacted. There was — still is, in fact — a chance that Donovan’s comments would blow up in his face. He’s certainly not having the best season of his life. He gave Jurgen Klinsmann an out if the US coach doesn’t want to start him in the upcoming friendlies. He gave critics plenty of fodder.
But he said it anyway. That’s commendable.
Donovan — because of his demeanor, his candor, his So Cal-style — doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves for the effort he puts in, the pressure he deals with, the demands on his time he endures. He’s been the face of American soccer for a decade now, which is a long time for anyone, much less a quiet guy who’s happier with his dogs on the beach than in front of 60,000 fans.
He knows how lucky he’s been, but no one really understands how hard he’s worked for everything. If anything, soccer is the easy part for Donovan. The rest of the superstar persona is more exhausting. So, when the footballing side becomes more difficult — he hinted multiple times at his decreasing abilities — it’s not surprising that the game becomes less enjoyable.
Which leaves us where, exactly? American supporters have at least two more years of Donovan in his more or less prime, perhaps a little slower but more experienced. (He’s the best distributor on the American team. Just look at his assist totals.) He’ll be a contributor on the national team through the 2014 World Cup and a force in Major League Soccer, as well. (And Everton?) Then, like he said, he’ll reevaluate. He’ll probably keep playing, but know that when he disappears into that California sunset, it will be on his terms.
And we should applaud him for taking control.
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- Christian Bullock - May 24, 2012 at 6:16 PM
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Landon Donovan is pure class. He’s a skilled player and I’m happy that he’s been “the face” of US men’s soccer.
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- dws110 - May 24, 2012 at 6:30 PM
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I’ve never been a big Landon Donovan fan, but credit to him for that interview. And if “Why Dempsey has surpassed Donovan” is all Doug McIntyre is taking away from the interview, he needs a new job.
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- mikeevergreen - May 24, 2012 at 8:29 PM
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It’s about time Landon came out and said it. The question now is, does he no longer have the fire, or no longer have the fire for Galaxy? Everyone knows he loved those two stints at the Toffee Shop (Everton) and would like to go back for more.
I’d l;ike to see him do it, and bring Michael Bradley with him.
Liverpool would crack their teeth trying to eat that toffee.
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- valiantdraws - May 24, 2012 at 9:29 PM
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I never thought Landon was greater, or that Clint was greater. They’re different players, with different impacts. Also, Landon is waaay older in soccer years than Clint. He’s been playing non stop for a long time. His career began way earlier, in terms of age. I like how Landon is forgoing more money and fame, and choosing living a simpler life. I actually have way more respect for him as a result. There’s more to life than a game, and he is going to relish it, and I’m glad for him.
As for Clint…he’s a striker’s striker, and thank goodness he’s really starting to catch fire now when we need him most.
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- surly1n1nd1anapol1s - May 24, 2012 at 10:26 PM
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I greatly appreciate his candor, skill, and play. But superstar? Not really.
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- wesbadia - May 25, 2012 at 1:48 PM
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If I were Bruce, I’d sell ol’ Lando to the Toffee’s (or the highest bidder) come August just in time for the world schedule, and go out and get a quality striker/playmaker for the team. Lord knows Beckham will be out before we know it, and Keanie is amounting to not much these days. It’s 2007 all over again, and if Arena wants to keep his job and jump start this apparent rebuilding process, he’ll get on it sooner rather than later. Enough of the stop gap acquisitions (David Lopes? Please…) and start making real changes. First and foremost surgically removing the cancer that seems to be Landon Donovan.
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