LA Galaxy star Donovan hints at extending return through 2017
Amid the fervor and drama of the final few weeks of action in the 2016 MLS season, LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan is quietly navigating his return to professional football.
The former U.S. international made a surprise return to the pitch earlier in the season despite retiring from the game two years ago. He rejoined the LA Galaxy and while he has yet to cement his place in the team, Donovan has risen to meet the difficulty of his challenge.
So much so that Donovan is even considering a return in 2017.
"It's been harder than I thought," Donovan told Rob Stone and Alexi Lalas, of his playing return. "I don't know ... as an athlete, you know, you think you're great and you think you can step right in but it makes you realize how fit all these guys are, how much they practice, how good they are at what they do so taking a few years off is tough.
"I think if it keeps going well and keeps progressing, then we can consider next year."
Since his return, Donovan has come off the bench in four consecutive matches, scoring against Sporting Kansas City before starting against the Houston Dynamo last weekend. He is set to start once more on MLS Decision Day against FC Dallas, a match that gives him a chance to show Arena how valuable he can be.
"I'm excited for today," Donovan said. "I think last week in Houston was okay, some good moments, but I've talked to Bruce - I need to be a player that can really make an impact if I want to be a part of the team going into the playoffs so this is a good chance for me."
For Donovan, finding form has been a personal challenge, but his impressions of the league have also changed. He says there has been a marked improvement since 2014 and navigating those changes is a challenge, too.
"The league is a lot better, in every way," Donovan said. "The first game I was on the bench watching Orlando play ... and I was blown away by the amount of quality players, quality names, and just I think tactically the league has gotten better, the way teams play has gotten better, it's a lot harder."