While he turned down a loan move to Everton this month, Landon Donovan is already looking ahead to 2012 when he would like to return to the Premier League side on loan.
“I don’t know in what capacity it will be, but I really, really hope that the offer still stands to go back next year, and that also weighed into this decision [of staying home in 2011],” Donovan told the Everton fan podcast, Followtonians.
Last winter Donovan was a big hit with Everton making 10 league appearances in which he scored twice and helped the Toffees defeat Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. He quickly became a fan favorite and was named the club’s Player of the Month for January.
But because of fatigue brought on by the Galaxy’s deep postseason run and playing in last summer’s World Cup, Donovan knew that he would not be in shape physically or mentally to play for Everton this year. Still the decision to go back on loan was hard one for Donovan who really enjoyed his time on Merseyside.
“That was hard, because I don’t want to close that door. I always want the opportunity [to go back]. I mean, I’m an Evertonian for life now.”
With the Galaxy putting everything into winning the MLS Cup in 2010, it makes sense for the Galaxy and Donovan to not go out on loan. But I wonder if the Galaxy win the MLS Cup this season, whether Donovan will take the opportunity to join Everton on a permanent basis next year?