Published>Mon, Mar 15 10 08:49 AM
American forward Landon Donovan returned home to LA Galaxy on Sunday having made a lasting impression at Premier League side Everton.
The Major League Soccer favourite completed a 10-week loan spell on Merseyside which brought two goals in 13 games and ignited a crucial up-turn in form for manager David Moyes's side.
"I'm 28 years old now and I've played over 100 times for my country, I've also played a lot of league games in different parts of the world. But I've never met a fan-base like this," Donovan said.
Donovan, who had a less successful loan stint in Germany with Bayern Munich last year, joined in January an injury-hit Everton side struggling for victories.
The U.S. international's arrival coincided with just two league defeats and shock wins over Chelsea and champions Manchester United and he left the club in ninth place in the table.
"Playing and beating Chelsea and Manchester United within the space of a week will be something I will always remember," he told evertonTV.
"I don't think any other American has had the opportunity to do that and there aren't many other players in the world who get to play against and beat those two teams."
Donovan's impressive form encouraged Moyes to try and extend his loan period without success and the U.S. record goalscorer will return home before the start of the MLS season on March 27.
Donovan's last appearance came as a substitute in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Birmingham City but it will be the previous week's 5-1 demolition of Hull City that stays with him.
"The send-off from the fans after the Hull City game was one of the most incredible experiences of my life..." he said.
"I was talking to my dad and I was saying that I wished he could have been here against Hull City, just to see the reception after the game, because it was something I've never experienced and I'm not sure I ever will again.
"Forget about football for a moment, this is a life experience I'll never forget."
Source: Web Search
0 comments:
Post a Comment