I’ve Matured, Says Donovan
(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from netting a hat trick to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team past Ecuador as captain, Landon Donovan admitted that he’s done some growing up since World Cup 2006.
The Los Angeles Galaxy ace performed below expectations against the Czech Republic and Ghana as the Americans bowed out in group play.
"At the end of last year and the World Cup, as bad as that was for me personally, I feel like I learned a lot from it," Donovan told reporters. "I got married this offseason, which helped me grow up a lot."
"I am now embracing a leadership role - I used to say that I would love to be a leader, but it's not good enough just to say it."
"When you're not as fit like I was in the first camp (in January), you can't do all the things you want to do," said the young veteran of two World Cups. "Now I'm fit, and I feel like I'm playing well."
"I'm trying to be that type of leader."
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Comments
Donavon u ;have done some maturing but certainly not enough. You are overrated, overplayed and overpaid player. Donavon is very fast but with the ball very slow. When he sprints down the field the ball is at least four feet in front of him. He will never be able to play anywhere else besides the crappy MLS. Donavon u need to grow up and relize how u really play and start doing something about it.
Posted by: RcFutbolFreak | March 26, 2007 03:06 PM
Yeah well it's one thing to do it in international friendlies at home another to do it real competitions. Donovan now has 30 goals with the national team, which is close to being the all time leader. Too few of the goals have actually meant something though.
I do hope that he is maturing as a player and will bring a consistent effort. The US definitely needs Donovan to be a threat, but it's tough on your team when you come up big in matches like this but then disappear on bigger stages.
Posted by: yoyo | March 26, 2007 03:08 PM
Whatever, is that why he has pulled out of the 2 international competitions this summer? Great leadership by the so-called "Captain" of the team.
Posted by: Ghost Rider | March 26, 2007 04:52 PM
mexican league is where donavon should go and he should play with adu......the mexican league is so bad and garbage they should band it for LIFE
Posted by: Anonymous | March 27, 2007 12:20 AM
DONOVAN go play some in another country like England germany holland .when usa play games at home i do not watch .
Posted by: soccer dr. nyc | March 27, 2007 02:01 AM
To: Anonymous
What the heck has the Mexican league done to you. They have brought in more fan base to the MLS when when they play each other.
Good job Donovan even though I don’t like you when you play against Mexico, I think you would be a great player if you would just paly your game and not try to over play when you play against good teams
Posted by: Red | March 27, 2007 01:36 PM
donovan has grown up a little and did play a little better in the last usa fixture but once the next WC comes around hes going to get too nervous and play bad again.
Posted by: john | March 27, 2007 09:24 PM
That saves me. Tahnks for being so sensible!
Posted by: Irish | June 21, 2011 07:18 PM
It was dark when I woke. This is a ray of snusihne.
Posted by: Peerless | June 21, 2011 07:18 PM