Move over MJ. Sources have confirmed that former MLS star Landon Donovan is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Galaxy.
Who doesn’t love a good comeback story? Landon Donovan, who retired after leading the LA Galaxy to a title in 2014, is reportedly making a comeback to the team. According to an LA Times article, a pair of sources confirmed that Donovan will be making his return to the Galaxy, a move which will be announced Thursday.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a league’s greatest star come out of retirement. The most notable “un-retirement” came from NBA legend Michael Jordan back in 1995. Ironically, Jordan’s announcement came two years after leaving the league, which would be the exact same amount of time as Donovan.
Donovan would be coming back to a league he has been the face of since his arrival in 2001 with the San Jose Earthquakes. Over his 14 years in the league, Donovan amassed 169 combined goals in the regular and post-season. He’s also the league’s all-time leader in assists.
When he initially announced his retirement back in 2014, Donovan cited a lack of “passion” for the game. He said in a Facebook post, “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.”
It seems as though Donovan has re-discovered the passion and is close to making things official with the Galaxy. The deal would need to be made official before MLS rosters become frozen, on Sept. 15 of this year.
Donovan’s return would certainly provide a boost for the Galaxy, as the team currently sit in third place in the Western Conference, just seven points behind the conference-leading FC Dallas.
Once Michael Jordan returned to the game of basketball, all he did was lead the Chicago Bulls to three more championships. Oh, he also never averaged less than 20 points per game in any season after his return.
Don’t worry though, Landon, I’m sure your return will be just as successful. After all, you’re only being compared to the greatest basketball player of all-time.