Season › 2012-13 › News Donovan contemplates life, Everton... Michael Kenrick , 24 October, 37comments | Jump to most recent US star uncertain of what he wants to do In a long and wide-ranging conversation with Roger Bennett of ESPN, Landon Donovan discusses his state of mind as he looks ahead to how the final years of his career will play out, what he wants to be doing... and how much he loves Everton. Some Excerpts: Donovan admits his hunger for the game has waxed and waned. "I feel like there is a physical point which you hit when your body can't take it like it used to, but there is also a mental place where your mind can't do it anymore," he explained. "It's different for everyone. A certain number of games will do it for one person. The road trips will wear out another. But if you do it for as long as I have, you realize you hit a barrier and have to work really hard to keep it going." "I've struggled with motivation at many points in my career," he said. "I've had times where it all came easily but there have been stretches where I have questioned it." "This year has been challenging because I have played non-stop and gotten physically injured more," he said. "At different times I have pushed through stretches that have not been enjoyable, but right now, I am at a point where I realize that if I am to come back I need to do so with the right mindset." When asked if he expects to play at World Cup 2014, Donovan strives to be as transparent as possible. "I don't have the answer to that," he responded. "There are a lot of moving pieces: Will I be playing, period? Will I be part of the team? Will I be good enough to be wanted?" he continued. "If I had to guess I would say it is 50-50. I will have more clarity after I take a break." Everton also remain dear to Donovan, referring to the club where he enjoyed two successful short-term loans as "a fling that grew into a full-blown affair." "I do think about them because they really stole my heart when I walked into Goodison Park," he revealed. "Everyone was so unbelievably welcoming, from Mr Moyes to the tea lady." While the allure of Everton presents one option for his future, Donovan still has one year left on his Galaxy contract and intends to use the offseason to review his future. "Right now, I need time to think and that is impossible to achieve while I am playing," he said. The decisions he must make are simple yet weighty. "I need to determine if I want to play, and if the answer is yes, I need to work out where and for how long." Donovan has given a lot of thought to his decision-making process. "I plan to spend a lot of time with my family and traveling to distant places alone. I am not sure where. I want to take time to have some freedom and not worry about my next game or being fit. It may take me two weeks, two months or a year. I don't plan on worrying about the end result. I want to focus on being present and making the decision when I am ready." I mention that everyone should be so lucky as to have the opportunity to self-evaluate like that and Donovan chuckles. "They can," he exclaims. "That is the beauty of life." Quotes or other material sourced from ESPN Reader Comments (37) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Peter Thistle 1 Posted 24/10/2012 at 17:54:39 Sounds almost like he doesn't appreciate how great a life he has in football. I'll never understand why anyone would struggle to be motivated to play the best game in the world and be paid for it and adored by fans. How can he be burned out by 30.... Al Reddish 2 Posted 24/10/2012 at 18:00:43 I reckon this is a 'fed up with my life, need a new challenge if I can get out of my current contract......anyone got Davie's number.' Nick Entwistle 3 Posted 24/10/2012 at 18:03:16 Al, I thought so too. Sounds like he wants to play club football off against his international demands.E.g He'll ask the MLS to free him of his contract (to play for Everton), in exchange for his participation in the world cup.That or you can take it on face value. I don't get Peter's take on it. Its like people scoffing at Stan Collymore when he came out and said he has depression. What? When you're a footballer on £Xk per week? Never! Noel Lynam 4 Posted 24/10/2012 at 18:26:34 "Sounds almost like he doesn't appreciate how great a life he has in football. I'll never understand why anyone would struggle to be motivated to play the best game in the world and be paid for it and adored by fans. How can he be burned out by 30...."Because he has been playing club football since 17, has almost 150 caps for his country and probably he feels he has achieved all he can for (current) club and country. Mike Keating 5 Posted 24/10/2012 at 18:35:47 Agree with Nick - who ever thought Gary Speed would take his own life?Depression, motivation, aspiration are states of mind and cannot be bought and sold.Take a look at this article on Darren Eadiehttp://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/08/darren-eadie-fighting-depression-football Peter Thistle 6 Posted 24/10/2012 at 19:34:00 I will never feel sorry for a footballer. You's can if ya want. Bobby Thomas 7 Posted 24/10/2012 at 19:24:16 No-one has ever became jaded, stale or just gotten a little older in any profession have they Peter? Even one they love. Everyone remains at the same wide eyed level of intensity their whole career.There may be some professional footballers who don't even like football&just view it as a job, something they happen to be good at & can make a living from. I don't include Donovan amongst those, I just make the point.Players, financially secure, can retire early now theres plenty of examples.After exposure to the Premiership, one of the elite European leagues ableit technically inferior, maybe the MLS just doesnt fill him with zest anymore and, as has been mentioned above, he has achieved all he can.It must be frustrating for him as he doesnt look at all out of place in the league. He is a highly effective wide attacker, his assists count was fantastic last loan, a team ethic wide player who provides verve and penetration. Peter Mills 8 Posted 24/10/2012 at 19:45:08 The interview doesn't read that Landon is seeking any kind of sympathy or validation. He is responding to questions in a seemingly open way, and saying that he, like everybody, does not know what the future holds. He is an athlete who has been playing at the top of his sport for a long time. He is bound to tire mentally and physically. We do not necessarily need to feel sorry for him, but as human beings we should at least try to understand. Sam Morrison 9 Posted 24/10/2012 at 19:50:45 If you can't empathize Peter could you respect his honesty?Me, I've found that money - not that I have a lot of it right now - was never the magical solution to everything. As for being adored by fans... well, the opposition fans don't ever adore you and as for your own - ask Hibbert, Osman, Howard, Neville, etc etc etc Sam Morrison 10 Posted 24/10/2012 at 19:53:27 sorry Peter Mills, that was directed to Peter Thistle (105) Peter Mills 11 Posted 24/10/2012 at 19:54:24 No probs Sam. Mark Lennon 12 Posted 24/10/2012 at 20:07:26 He's an honest guy and that is very rare in football now. I hope he does feel the need for a new challenge and I hope he re-kindles his affair with our club!I'd love to see him leaving Ashley Cole in an absolute mess on the floor again, in every way!! Andrew Yates 13 Posted 24/10/2012 at 20:21:13 Donovan comes across as an intelligent and honest professional to me, a couple of good seasons from him for us would be more than welcome as we've seen previously.As for the motivation aspect, people don't appear to hold jobs down for 5 minutes these days, let alone for 13 years, personally i've never been on such a low wage but I love my job and love life!!Donovan is a good egg and is sensible to consider his future, preferably with us. Steve Guy 14 Posted 24/10/2012 at 21:00:26 Too old now. Great while he was here but Mirallas now a better bet Andy Meighan 15 Posted 24/10/2012 at 21:07:17 I really don't get the adulation from some of our fans with Donovan. Yes he had a few good games for us. But the deal was he was only staying short term both times. Personally I think Mirallas in the very near future is going to be a revelation he's younger quicker and got a better eye for a goal so that position is covered. Anyway, What sane man would take a bird back who's chased him twice after telling him she loves him over and over. David Hallwood 16 Posted 24/10/2012 at 21:17:40 Mirallas might (or might not) be a better bet Steve Guy#129,but I would love Donovan even for a couple of seasons. He can play WR or as a striker or in the Cahill role; a clever,clever player and as proved we only need 2-3 players out and we're down to bare bones and he would give us class and options Bobby Thomas 17 Posted 24/10/2012 at 21:41:08 Spot on David, above. Donovan is perfect for the system Moyes tried to open up with at QPR, that wide attacking role that also requires you to drop in and work in mid as well. Hes a flexible, intelligent player. But then hes the experienced finished article.I think one of the reasons the system didnt work at QPR is that, being light in mid and with Vic right & Mirallas(who I think can play it but is still bedding in), we didnt have the players to play it on the day.We need a deep mid, but I also think we need another wide attacking player in the club as well as Mirallas. We need options.With his age etc and the way we need to do things, we should only mainly take players aged 25/26 and under. I feel unless it was 3/4 millio, maximum, then Donovan is a non starter despite being in good nick and doesnt pick up injuries.However I do feel we need another player of that kind in, we need options and variety. Ince rumours have resurfaced since Moyes was at Forest v Blackpool the other night. I hear hes a player but ive not seen to judge. Philip Quilliam 18 Posted 24/10/2012 at 22:23:33 If I could just say to Landon Donovan in the words of Joni Mitchell "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone".Like all modern day top players, his ability will give him the financial security to exercise choices that the vast majority of us will never have. Maybe most of us will never appreciate what he has to give up to maintain his standards.One thing is for sure: time marches on, whether we like it or not, and I think his time at Everton is done... so thanks, Donovan, for your contribution to our story but I would like to think we have moved on. You do what you feel is right for you and your, like we all do in our own way, I think you could have written your own little chapter in our history but that opportunity has gone and now that will just be a footnote. Christine Foster 19 Posted 24/10/2012 at 22:43:16 I have to admit that I would have Donovan back tomorrow. How can you compare the quality he brought to the team to what's on offer now? I still shudder when people see big Vic playing up front and think he is good enough to replace him. I remember only too well the before and after games when he played and he brought a new dimension to our game, quality, and it's still lacking today.If he came for a peppercorn fee or on a Bosman then I would grab with both hands, play him selectively and enjoy it while it lasts. Colin Wainwright 20 Posted 24/10/2012 at 23:11:19 I agree Christine. I don't think I seen him give the ball away during his last stint. Quality player, who is still head and shoulders above the majority we have at the minute. Jason Heng 21 Posted 24/10/2012 at 23:29:52 Sounds like he may want to retire at Everton. But do we want to pay for a player when he is in his twilight? Steve Smith 22 Posted 25/10/2012 at 00:06:52 This interview was done quite a few months ago, I think there was a bit of a thread on here at the time, my feeling was/is, is that it was a clear come and get me messeage to Everton and also a clear let me go now message to MLS, Donovan is aware that we would probably sign him if no transfer fee is involved, and I think he was hinting to MLS that he had done all he could for them and that he needs a new challenge, I wouldn't be surprised if he joins us in January on a permanent deal. James Flynn 23 Posted 24/10/2012 at 23:50:35 Read the article yesterday on ESPN. I take him at his word in everything there. Remember, we're talking about a player who stated, and frequently, his career in Germany went nowhere because of himself, not the club.I'd like to think Al Reddish and Nick Entwistle got it right, but who knows?He has a knee injury and he's 30 years old. If, by some chance, his head clears before January 31st? MLS won't hold him or charge an exorbitant price.Shit, they should pay EFC to take him after he all but begged to be sold to EFC post-2010 WC and the league set a price they knew Everton couldn't afford. Many EPL teams could have foot the bill easy, but LD only wanted Everton. So pricing him out of the move was easy.As I said, I take him at his word. But if he doesn't retire, being back at Goodison for the next couple years wouldn't surprise me. Andrew Presly 24 Posted 25/10/2012 at 00:45:42 Life is too short Landon, what are you waiting for? In the meantime, there's no point worrying too much about a relatively average player whose annual cameos only highlight how mediocre the "greatest league in the world" is. Last time we had him we beat Chelsea even with Straq upfront and they went on to win the CL, so.......i've confused myself. Maybe everyone's crap.The main thing is, and this is the important thing, don't bottle it yet again on Sunday, Moyes - COYBB! James Flynn 25 Posted 25/10/2012 at 01:40:33 "In the meantime, there's no point worrying too much about a relatively average player whose annual cameos only highlight how mediocre the "greatest league in the world" is".This from a guy who can't even spell his last nameorrectly. Elvis must be spinning in ............ Andrew Presly 26 Posted 25/10/2012 at 02:17:45 Hmmmm...nameorrectly Errol? C'mon son. Jason Lam 27 Posted 25/10/2012 at 02:20:12 You don't need to be footballer to understand what's going on. All you need is a mid life crisis. I hope Landon finds what he wants to do with his life. You can't achieve any success unless you're mind's on it. Good Luck Landon. You will always be a blue, whether you wear the jersey again or not. Ean Palese 28 Posted 25/10/2012 at 03:37:55 Would love to have him back on loan. As many have mentioned and know, he could at the very least provide cover and depth. Sure give Mirallas matches - but the team would not lose any momentum if someone (like say, Pienaar) get suspended or injured. He could also play in the hole. He's a busy performer. Don't we enjoy that? Tony J Williams 29 Posted 25/10/2012 at 09:13:46 Take him on a free when his contract is up? Why not.I can almost see what he is saying and almost see why he is probably bored with footy, American footy anyway. Look at it this way, Jasaon Stratham, (sp) who ever thought he would ever get bored of banging Kelly Brook?One thing worries me about Landon's mentality, this is the man who broke down in tears in the World Cup press conference......tart! Bob Willis 30 Posted 25/10/2012 at 09:43:16 All this talk about Donovan just shows the financial state of Everton.We have become dependant on loans, cameo appearances, and handing out crutches to those past their sell by date.We do not need Donovan, he needs us!I would consider his reintroduction to the club as a retrograde step — Move on, Moyes!! Tony J Williams 31 Posted 25/10/2012 at 11:09:48 He'll want to play in 2014, World Cup year and all..... Anto Byrne 32 Posted 25/10/2012 at 14:42:15 Snap him up for 2 years — be good for all concerned. Tom Bowers 33 Posted 25/10/2012 at 22:29:58 Landon was good in 2011 but, for the little time he was here in 2012, he wasn't much. He has had a problem injury of late and perhaps at his age he may be getting past his best. Everton appear to have players who can cope better now and so the need for his services may not be a priority. Jon O'Dell 34 Posted 26/10/2012 at 09:26:43 What was it Alan Ball once said? "Once Everton has touched you nothing will be the same". I get the impression from that interview that he wished his first loan spell never ended.I fear that he won't get another chance to pull on Everton shirt. I hope I'm wrong. Andy Walker 35 Posted 26/10/2012 at 18:05:34 Sounds like he's bored of football or at least had enough. There comes a time when most get fed up with their job, but most can't just leave as they have trapped themselves with debt etc. Landon can change direction and so I reckon he'll retire soon. I wouldn't want him back now as I suspect he would not be fully committed to the game. Peter Jones 36 Posted 26/10/2012 at 20:12:09 As an American, I really wish Donovan either stuck it out in Germany or ditched the MLS a long time ago for one of the other major european leagues. He's still a very good player, but he could have been truly great if he had the ambition of say Clint Dempsey, who has improved markedly since coming over to Fulham and now Tottenham. He's surpassed Donovan as a player for this reason only. I really enjoyed the time Donovan spent with Everton and always wonder what could have been if he trained with top class players day in and day out for a career rather than a couple of loan spells. Sigh. Jonathan Matthews 37 Posted 26/10/2012 at 20:47:47 Living over here in the States I've seen a fair few interviews and articles with Donovan in over the last couple of years and he's always come across as being honest and matter of fact. Maybe he just needs some time off? Like he's said in the past three or four interviews both here and back in the UK, he's been playing non-stop (that includes interanationally as well, which is more than can be said for some of his compatriots). For a player that hasn't had that many injuries relatively speaking, to now get injured more often because he's not sufficiently rested must do his head in. As fantastic a player as he is, by the time he's had time away from the game to recharge and think about his future, he'd be a gamble age-wise and definitely not the player he's been for us during the past two loan spells, if we were to buy him on a 2-3 year deal. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. About these ads