US star Landon Donovan has revealed that he is extremely disappointed not to be included in the squad for the World Cup 2014. Donovan is widely regarded as one of the best players to have represented the national team in its history. However, he has fallen out of with manager Jurgen Klinsmann in the last few months. This has seen him be in and out of the national team squad during the qualification phase. Despite this, he was included in the provisional squad for the World Cup 2014.
Just days before the manager announced the final squad for this tournament, Donovan said that he does not expect to be included in the squad. Still, he is hoping to give the US team his best if he is picked. The disappointment has been confirmed after the 32-year-old striker has been left out of the squad. Klinsmann has decided to take only five players with previous experience of a major tournament to Brazil. This follows on the policy of the former Germany national team manager to introduce young blood to the team.
After learning about the decision of the manager, Donovan stated that he is really disappointed. It remains to be seen if the LA Galaxy star will announce his retirement after this news.
“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,” said the former Everton loan star, who has represented the national team in three major world cups. At 32, this may have been his final opportunity.