Donovan returns to Galaxy as MLS playoffs loom

Los Angeles (AFP) – American star Landon Donovan has come out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Galaxy as the Major League Soccer club enters the stretch run leading up to the playoffs.

The 34-year-old striker hasn’t played competitively since retiring from the Galaxy after the 2014 season. He is the most productive player in MLS history with a record 144 goals, assists on 136 others plus 32 playoff goals and six MLS championships.

“I have decided to come out of retirement to play the rest of the 2016 MLS season with the LA Galaxy,” said Donovan, who will be available for the final six games of the regular season as well as the playoffs.

“An opportunity opened up and after discussing it with those close to me, it felt like the right decision to return to a club that has meant so much to me.

“I am very excited to be back and I will do everything I can to help the Galaxy, both on and off the field.”

Donovan won four league titles with the Galaxy and two with the San Jose Earthquakes.

After he retired, the MLS changed the name of its most valuable player award to the Landon Donovan Award.

Donovan also starred with the US men’s national team, playing in three World Cups and setting a US record with 57 goals.

The Galaxy share second place in the MLS Western Conference with 44 points.