Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the MLS season this year.
The 32-year-old, who spent two loan stints at Everton, has decided to hang up his boots after he was left out of Jurgen Klinsmann's USA squad for the World Cup in Brazil.
Donovan wrote on his Facebook page: "After careful deliberation and after many conversations with those closest to me, I have decided that this will be my last season as a professional soccer player.
"I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have played a role in the remarkable growth of MLS and US Soccer during my playing career. And while my career as a player will soon be over, rest assured I will stay connected on many levels to the beautiful game.
"As we enter a transformative time for the sport, I will do everything I can to help the continued growth of soccer in the United States. I look forward to making a difference, pursuing my passions and meeting all of you along the way in this next phase of my life."
Donovan, who featured in three World Cup campaigns for the USA, was a six-time member of the MLS's Best XI squad.
Danielle Joynson
