Landon Donovan Pens Letter Following Shocking World Cup Omission
Following the surprising (some say shocking) news that Landon Donovan — the best American footballer to ever play the game — was omitted from Team USA’s World Cup roster, he has written a letter to his fans.
It was fully expected that Donovan would be named to Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad that is headed to Brazil next month, even though he hasn’t been in the best physical shape as of late, after taking a year off from soccer.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s 23-man USA roster for the World Cup via @ussoccer. US soccer veteran Landon Donovan misses out. pic.twitter.com/QRbbD3rM17
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 22, 2014
However, the undeniable experience that Donovan brings to the team is always necessary, especially because for 2014, the American World Cup squad is a relatively young one.
In his letter, posted on his Facebook page late Thursday night following the announcement that he would not travel to Brazil, Landon Donovan — ever the gentleman — wrote:
“It has been an honor and privilege to have represented the US National Team in three World Cups. I was looking forward to playing in Brazil and, as you can imagine, I am very disappointed with today’s decision. Regardless, I will be cheering on my friends and teammates this summer, and I remain committed to helping grow soccer in the US in the years to come.”
So far Donovan’s heartfelt words have over 51,000 likes and almost 6,000 comments from disappointed fans.
A follower by the name of Michael Woodward writes:
“While I like that Klinsmann is not scared to tap into youthful Americans situated all over the world, I do not agree with opting for an 18-year-old, unproven player who does not even play for his club’s first team over the US’ leading goal scorer of all time. If Landon was over the hill, than (sic) maybe. However, he is not yet. This makes absolutely no sense because Julian Green will probably play a very small role, if any role in this World Cup. There is no one who strikes more fear in opponents for the US than Landon and no one who is more likely to score a vital goal than Landon. What a shocking and appalling decision.”
Landon Donovan is credited with helping promote soccer (football) in the US, where the sport is not at the same level — on the field and in the stands — as in the rest of the world, where fans consider it the national sport in many instances and players are revered.
“Thank you for putting the US national team on the map.” wrote Mark Bieber echoing those sentiments.
Do you think Klinsmann made a good decision by leaving Landon Donovan out of the USA World Cup squad?
[Image via Facebook]
