Twellman: Donovan to Retire at End of MLS Season

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HAHAHAHAHAHA I didn't realize until I saw this tweet!!

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Mike Magee should have a good retort.

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@RyanRosenblatt: No one player is more responsible for MLS getting to this point than Landon Donovan. When everyone else left, he stayed.

Thank you.

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:kige:

Yep. Landon Donovan is the reason I'm a big USMNT fan. Thanks, Cakes.

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Yep. Landon Donovan is the reason I'm a big USMNT fan. Thanks, Cakes.

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A lot of people can say that, too, and a few more can say that about MLS. Legend.

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probably?

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Included only as a caveat. The fact he was so important for the development of the MLS makes him elevates his legacy, as well as his performances for the USMNT. If he had gone to Europe and floated around some leagues for a while, but still played at a high level for the national team, I don't know if he would have been as highly regarded.

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After careful deliberation and after many conversations with those closest to me, I have decided that this will be my last season as a professional soccer player.

I don't write these words lightly and this day carries mixed emotions for me. I am sad to leave a profession that has brought me so much joy. I will miss all of the teammates who helped me create so many incredible memories on-the-field, and who I have shared many wonderful experiences with off-the-field. I will miss my coaches, at both the club and national team levels, who have helped me develop throughout my career and helped make me the player I am today. However, after spending half my life as a professional soccer player, I also am excited to begin a new chapter and pursue other opportunities that will challenge me and allow me to grow as a person.

There are so many people I want to thank who have inspired me, guided me and helped me on this incredible journey. I simply could not have accomplished what I did during my playing career without an overwhelming amount of support from my family, my friends and many others. I plan to express my gratitude to everyone in a more detailed manner at a later date; however, for now, I want to single out the fans. You are the lifeblood of this sport and, without you, none of us would be fortunate to call ourselves professional soccer players in MLS.

I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have played a role in the remarkable growth of MLS and US Soccer during my playing career. And while my career as a player will soon be over, rest assured I will stay connected on many levels to the beautiful game.

As we enter a transformative time for the sport, I will do everything I can to help the continued growth of soccer in the United States. I look forward to making a difference, pursuing my passions and meeting all of you along the way in this next phase of my life.

With gratitude,

Landon

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Maybe FOX can actually hire a color commentator worth listening to now

LA is going to sign a big player. Beckham has said as much, he obviously knew this was coming. And it isn't Kljestan..

Thank you Landon..

Well, shite, this is bittersweet. I like to give him shite, but I didn't think he'd retire completely at this point. Damn. I'm a lot more sad about this than I thought I'd be.