
Open Letter from Landon Donovan
Published on August 7, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release
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
Major League Soccer Stories from August 7, 2014
- LA Galaxy Forward Landon Donovan to Retire Following 2014 Season - LA Galaxy
- Open Letter from Landon Donovan - LA Galaxy
- LA Galaxy Looking to Continue Good Run of Form against San Jose - LA Galaxy
- Revolution's Celebrity Bartending Returns on August 21 - New England Revolution
- Injury Update: Joseph Nears Return While Dorman and Tierney Recover Cautiously - New England Revolution
- New York Red Bulls U23 Star Victor Manosalvas Wins 2014 NPSL Golden Ball - New York Red Bulls
- FC Dallas Adds Paraguayan Defender Walter Cabrera - FC Dallas
- Crew Signs U.S. Youth International Midfielder Romain Gall - Columbus Crew SC
- Precourt "Committed to Turn [Crew] into a Winning Team" - Columbus Crew SC
- Berhalter Confirms Crew Earns Rights to Romain Gall - Columbus Crew SC
- David Estrada Traded to D.C. United - Seattle Sounders FC
- D.C. United Acquires David Estrada from Seattle Sounders FC - D.C. United
- Houston Dynamo to Host Corporate Cup on August 23 at Houston Sports Park - Houston Dynamo FC
- Crew Readies for Three-Match Homestand - Columbus Crew SC
- Resetting on Bye Week - New England Revolution
- No Room for Error Down the Stretch - New England Revolution
- Landon Donovan Scores Game-Winner as the MLS All-Stars Top Bayern Munich - LA Galaxy
- Red Bulls Forward Bradley Wright-Phillips Scores in Winner over FC Bayern Munich - New York Red Bulls
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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