Landon Donovan: In England, I Would Only Want To Play For Everton
Posted Friday, March 19, 2010 by Goal.com
Landon Donovan, back on American soil, discussed his loan move at Everton.
CARSON, Calif. -- Following a 10-week loan at Everton, Landon Donovan is back in southern California. But the 28-year-old won't be forgetting his stint in Liverpool any time soon.
"If I ever went back to England I would only want to play for Everton," Donovan asserted in a press conference today, seemingly squashing any rumors of Chelsea bidding for his services.
"Playing at Goodison Park is really special. As much talk there is about getting a new stadium, there's something about a historic place. People have gone there for years. I'm just a player there for 10 weeks; this is their life."
During that 10-week spell, Donovan played in matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
"Consistently, it's the highest level I've played at," the U.S. international said. "That was intense."
Starting with an assist in his first match against Arsenal, Donovan bedded in quickly. Eventually he notched two goals during the loan as Everton shot up the table. As opposed to failed stints in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, the fans took to the American quickly, chanting “USA - You Must Stay” in his last match.
"I consciously didn't have any expectations," the LA Galaxy captain said of his mindset going into the deal. "I wanted to take each day as it came and make the most of it. I went with an open mind. It's funny what happens when you do that."
Donovan jets off to the capitol tomorrow for MLS Players Union talks as the league and union still haggle over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. But the uncertainty over a 2010 MLS season won't be the only difference from England.
"The people in England in general are pretty witty, humorous. The biggest difference for me was the locker room," Donovan said. "From the minute I walked in, I could feel the energy. It was a different culture to be in."
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