CARSON, Calif. – Landon Donovan has a plan for the immediate future.
Upon completion of the LA Galaxy’s season, Donovan had some things to get to with regards to a possible loan. And that has been put into motion.
“My plan is to rest over the next few weeks and get in a mental place where I can make a proper decision,” said Donovan, who will lead the Galaxy in their friendly on Saturday against the Newcastle Jets in Australia.
Click here for updates from the trip
Donovan had deflected questions during the season regarding a potential loan overseas. Immediately after the season, though, was not much better for Donovan to make a decision.
“If you ask me today, I’d probably say no because my body is exhausted,” he said. “If you ask me in two months, I’d probably say yes because I’d be excited again. Once I come down from all this, see how my body feels, then I can figure it out.”
At the start of 2010, Donovan went to England for 10 weeks and was an instant success with Everton. He re-joined the Galaxy in mid-March but left the door open for a possible loan.
Donovan had a standout year for both club and country. Donovan had three goals at the World Cup and had seven goals and 16 assists while leading the Galaxy to the Supporters’ Shield title.
However, Donovan admitted at the end of the season that he was fatigued. Having played nearly non-stop for the last two-plus years, Donovan said such a hectic pace goes with the territory.
“It’s our job. That’s what we do. A lot of players do it around the world,” he said. “The way the game is now with different tournaments – FIFA always seem like they’re trying to add games and tournaments – it’s part of what we deal with. You hope that you don’t break down physically and are available throughout the year. I’ve been fortunate to be relatively healthy.”
With regards to Everton and the English Premiership, Donovan’s stock might not be higher than it is now. While Everton – and Donovan said he would only consider a loan deal to the Toffees – have shown interest now, there is no guarantee that they would have interest in him into the future.
“It does play into it, not only being in demand or not but I also realize that I only have so many more years to play in general and to have a real opportunity to do this. That comes into it,” Donovan said. “I’m certainly going to have to think that through a lot, no question.”
The Galaxy travel to Newcastle, Australia to face the Newcastle United Jets in an international friendly on Saturday, November 27. Watch the match live on Fox Soccer Channel beginning at midnight PT on Saturday. Click here for more information on match broadcasts and updates from the Galaxy's trip.
