Landon Donovan Decides to Take the Winter Off

For weeks now, speculation has been out there about which English club would secure Landon Donovan for a winter loan.

Would it be Fulham? Or Everton? Or some other club in need of a little pace and imagination on the wing or even up front?

Turns out the U.S. International and L.A. Galaxy standout will be spending the summer in southern California, having decided not to accept a loan in 2011.

From the press release…

“While I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me, I feel that it is important to continue to rest and recover this offseason as opposed to going on loan,” Donovan said. “I never considered being loaned to a club other than Everton, but I have been playing nearly non-stop for the past two years and I believe that this decision will allow me to perform at my best for the Galaxy and the National Team throughout the upcoming year. I look forward to re-joining my Galaxy teammates for the start of preseason training next month and beginning our quest for another MLS Cup championship.”

The Galaxy may have had a hand in this decision as well.

“We think in the best interest of the club and the player that Landon continues his postseason break and begins preparations for what will be a challenging year in 2011 at both the domestic and international levels,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “We expect Landon to join our club for the start of preseason training next month as we begin to prepare for the 2011 MLS season.”

Donovan played more than 50 games in 2010 with the Galaxy, Everton and the U.S. National team, so while I will miss seeing him in EPL games early in the new year, I think some time off will do Donovan a world of good.

Donovan added on his Twitter feed, “I appreciate all the messages. It wasn’t easy because you all were so great to me in January. I hope they’ll want me back in the future.”