CARSON, Calif. Steve Yzerman Jersey . -- A year after Landon Donovan returned to soccer, he realized he had lost his passion for the sport again. This time, the best player in American history decided to walk away for good. The 32-year-old Donovan announced Thursday he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the MLS season, wrapping up the most prolific career in the leagues history with one last run at a championship with the LA Galaxy. "I think for the last few years, I havent had the same passion that I had previously in my career," Donovan said at the Galaxys stadium. "To some extent, I had felt obligated to keep playing. ... Its time to enjoy the rest of the season, and there would be no better way than to go out as a champion, so thats what I want to do." Donovan is the top goal-scorer in MLS history and the top scorer in U.S. national team history, excelling as a forward and a midfielder. He was even named the most valuable player of his 14th MLS All-Star game on Wednesday night in Portland, scoring a goal in the All-Stars 2-1 win over Bayern Munich, only to make his stunning retirement announcement the next day. "All I could think is that if everyone only knew," Donovan said with a grin. Donovan, a five-time MLS champion with the Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes, made his retirement announcement on the same stage where he agreed to a multiyear contract extension with the Galaxy just a year ago, pronouncing himself revitalized after an extended sabbatical. He took several months off following the Galaxys second straight MLS Cup title alongside now-retired David Beckham in December 2012. Donovan travelled extensively during his time off, and he plans to see even more of the world after his career ends this fall. "It gets me excited thinking about it," Donovan said. "For 16 years, almost every decision Ive made, every hour of every day, has revolved around, How is this going to prepare me for tomorrows training session or tomorrows game? Just having the freedom to do whatever you want is exciting, and Im looking forward to that." Donovan has been a key component of MLS impressive growth during his 14 years in the top North American league. After he struggled for playing time at Bayer Leverkusen as a teenager, he chose to pursue a pro career in his native California instead of Europe, adding a marquee attraction to the then-struggling league. "There is no doubt that Major League Soccer would not be what it is today without Landon Donovan," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "His decision to join MLS in 2001 was a statement to the entire soccer community, at the most crucial time in our history, that MLS could be a league of choice for the best American players. Landon is to MLS what Michael Jordan was to the NBA, Wayne Gretzky was to the NHL and Tiger Woods was to the PGA Tour: a player whose sporting accomplishments and popularity transformed their respective leagues and set a new standard for how the game would be played." Donovan said his decision wasnt spurred by his omission from his fourth U.S. World Cup team this summer. He was surprised and disappointed by coach Jurgen Klinsmanns decision, feeling he had done enough in training camp to warrant inclusion. "I certainly wasnt going to allow one persons poor choice this summer to affect a decision like this," Donovan said. Donovan is the career U.S. leader with 57 international goals over 156 appearances, and he has scored five World Cup goals, including his famed stoppage-time goal against Algeria four years ago to send the Americans to the second round. He watched the American team in Brazil from afar as a television commentator. "Quite simply the best player ever to wear the USMNT jersey," U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati posted on his Twitter account. Donovan has no concrete plans for his long-term future in soccer, but he is eager to work with young players in the Galaxys academy training program. "Landons legacy is secure with the Galaxy," said Galaxy President Chris Klein, Donovans former teammate and roommate. "So to be able to celebrate that for the rest of the year in terms of how he goes out will be great. When he decides what it is that he wants to do and where he wants to put his heart and energy next, well be there to talk about that." Donovan has played for the Galaxy since 2005, also going on loan to Everton and Bayern Munich during the Galaxys off-season. Donovan struggled early in his pro career in Europe, but was popular during his two stints with Everton. "Congratulations on a great career to (at)landondonovan as he announces hell retire later this year. Part of EFC fabric," Everton tweeted from its official account. Donovan has four goals and seven assists in 17 games for the Galaxy this season as a midfielder and a forward. He passed Jeff Cunningham for the career MLS goals record shortly after Klinsmann excluded him from the World Cup team. His absence creates another hole for the LA club, which couldnt manage a third straight MLS title last season in its first year since Beckhams departure. But Donovans retirement opens up a designated player spot for the Galaxy alongside leading scorer Robbie Keane and U.S. national team defender Omar Gonzalez. After a lifetime spent in practices and games, Donovan sees his departure as another step in his personal evolution into whatever person he decides to be outside soccer. His decision to leave the Bundesliga for MLS as an unhappy teenager was unpopular, and Donovan knows many fans wont understand his early retirement. 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Campbell, playing on loan with Greek club Olympiacos, found the net with a left-footed shot in the 44th minute off a pass from second-half substitute Jorge Rojas to open the scoring at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica.LONDON – It was a magical Wimbledon fortnight for Genie Bouchard as she became the first Canadian to ever make a grand slam singles final. She has taken the tennis world by storm this season, which is just her second as a full-timer on the WTA Tour. Bouchards meteoric rise means many in the media world are still trying to get to know the 20-year-old and what makes her tick. And at the All England Club Bouchard was bombarded with questions about every possible topic. The Montreal native handled it with class and great humour. The following is the best of Bouchards media interactions from Wimbledon 2014. 1. BIEBER FEVER After a win at the Australian Open in January, Bouchard was asked if she could date anyone, who would she date. She picked Justin Bieber. The media (especially the British tabloids) have not forgotten. This is from Thursday, after her semifinal win: Q. Do you think Justin Bieber will have noticed you yet? EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I hope so. Im putting in so much hard work, you know. I want to see this hard work rewarded. I dont know. I mean ... Q. Hes not been in touch then? BOUCHARD: No (laughter). You know, hes kind of been in trouble recently, so ... Im not associated with that at the moment. But, you know, if he cleans up his image ... No? Someone is shaking their head no. Q. Given Justin Bieber is not Royal Box material, who would be your dream person to see there on Saturday? BOUCHARD: Hes not (smiling)? They really wouldnt allow him in the Royal Box if he came? Q. He might not be the top of the invite list. They wouldnt let him through the gates. BOUCHARD: I feel like he would manage to get himself in there somehow. No? Who else? Um, thats a tough question. I would love like to see Oprah there or something. Believe it or not Bieber was brought up again on Friday on the eve of her championship match: Q. Has Justin Bieber been in touch with you since yesterday? BOUCHARD: No, he has not been in touch in the past 24 hours. 2. OPRAH ADMIRATION Q. Something you said yesterday thats been bugging me overnight, why you said Oprah Winfrey would be your dream spectator in the Royal Box? BOUCHARD: Shes a person I would love to meet. Ive gotten asked before if you could go to dinner with someone, Ive named her in the past. I think her story is really special. She came from nothing and built herself up to this huge empire and the richest woman in the world. I love those stories like that. Justin Bieber is another story like that. I just love the story of making yourself into something. I would love to hear about her experiences and all those kinds of things. If she would watch tennis in the Royal Box, that would be cool. Q. Does that reflect you a bit, you identify with it a bit? BOUCHARD: Yeah. You know, Ive worked really hard in my life. I appreciate other people who have done the same and have these amazing dreams and actually work hard and go out and achieve them. Especially when they come from really humble beginnings and have this positive attitude on life. Whatever they earn, its like because of them. Theyve truly earned it. Yeah, I love those stories. 3. PEER-PRESSURING A PRINCESS Bouchard is named after Princess Eugenie, the daughter of Prince Andrew, whom she has never met. Q. Have you received any messages from the Royal family since youve been here? BOUCHARD: No. Am I supposed to? I mean, I would like to think Princess Eugenie would come out and say a word or two. Im looking forward to maybe meeting one day the girl I was named after. That would be pretty cool. But no, not yet. I havent really spotted any. Not that Ive been socializing around the grounds. Princess Eugenie did show up to Saturdays championship match. Q. You said yesterday that you would like to have the princess youre named after in the Royal Box and she was there. BOUCHARD: I know, that was crazy. I did see her in the box. Im very happy that she came out. Disappointed I couldnt put on a better show for her, but Id love to meet her, of course. Its the only person Im named after. Shes the only one in the world. Q. Did she say anything to you at all? BOUCHARD: I havent seen her. If shes still here, hopefully Ill get a chance to meet her. I dont know. 4. ROOF ROMANCE Last Monday, Bouchard played Alize Cornet in a fourth-round match on Centre Court, which was interrupted by rain. There was a 30-minute delay while the roof was closed. Q. The delay today was considerably shorter than we experienced on Saturday. Any effect at all? BOUCHARD: Yeah, well, I thought they would put the roof up right away, but they kind of waited I think to see. Im happy I got the experience of playing under the famous roof. I follow the roof on Twitter (@WimbledonRoof), and hes kind of funny. I hope hes proud of how I played today. He was looking down. Hopefully he enjoyed the match. 5. MARRIAGE PROPOSALS Q. I dont know if youve been on your phone, but hundreds of people have been tweeting you asking you to marry them. What do you think of that? BOUCHARD: Yeah, I wont check that too much, especially during a tournament. Good effort, though. Theres always a chance, I guess, that Ill say yes over Twitter (laughter). So keep em coming. 6. STANLEY CUP TAKES A BACKSEAT Q. How much of a hockey fan are you? Would this be your Stanley Cup if you get this? BOUCHARD: I think Wimbledon is greater than the Stanley Cup, so I wouldnt compare it to that. But I am a little bit of a fan. Not a huge follower. Im more of a bandwagon fan. I kind of follow in the playoffs. Im not a true fan. But, you know, I enjoy watching games live. But I think hockey season is over, and its a summer for tennis now. 7. BIG BANG, LAME PUNS Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons travelled to London to support Bouchard. The two had become friends via e-mail conversations last year. Bouchard is a huge fan of the show and some members of the media could not help themselves . Dennis Cholowski Jersey. .. Q. Its appropriate that youre making a big bang, I guess. BOUCHARD: That was a really corny joke. God. And a few days later ... Q. Youre now set to play in the biggest match on the biggest court in the biggest tournament. The other day you were talking your favourite show is the Big Bang Theory. Do you think this is a kind of a big bang? BOUCHARD: Someone made that really lame joke a few days ago. I called him out on it. So Im going to have to say that was really lame again. Im just trying my best, you know. Just, like I said, so excited. This is what Ive worked my whole life for. Earlier, Bouchard was asked why she enjoys the sitcom. Q. The Big Bang Theory is such a wonderful show. What do you love about it? BOUCHARD: Its my favourite show. Its a comedy, you know. For me, so many unexpected things, you just burst out laughing. Its a nice way to relax and have a good time. Its less stressful to watch than, say, like a movie on a war or something. Its pretty relaxing, which I love. Jim Parsons character Sheldon is my favourite character. Hes so nerdy. I love the character. Hes so smart and set in his ways. I think the writing of the show is pretty spectacular. Q. Do you have a little bit of nerd in you? BOUCHARD: I do have a little bit of that in me. When I was in school, I really enjoyed school. My favourite class was math class. I was very determined to try to get 100 per cent on all my math tests. I think that kind of self-discipline translates to tennis. But, you know, I would have loved to go to school and go to university and things like that. Maybe Ill do that when Im 30 and just chill with the 20-year-olds. 8. WHERE ARE ALL THE STUFFED ANIMALS!?!? At the Australian Open, Bouchards legion of followers – Genie Army – showed their support by throwing stuffed animals on the court after her matches. That hasnt happened as much at subsequent grand slams much to the dismay of some reporters. Q. Was the crowd more subdued than you would have expected? BOUCHARD: Well, its Wimbledon. Everyone is really classy here. Thats what we expect at Wimbledon. Its nice. Q. The reason I ask is you didnt appear to have many of the little toys thrown on at the end. Did you have any today? BOUCHARD: I got some actually after my practice this morning. That was pretty motivating. I got Cinderella as well. I got a person. I like to think thats me. Someone gave me it because Im a princess. Yeah, I saw a few flags, single members of Genie Army. But its Wimbledon, so were a little bit more subdued here. Its the tradition. I like that. And a few days later ... Q. Genies Army threw a couple of toys at you. Have you had any thrown over to you recently? BOUCHARD: No, I havent. I think its because theres a rule that youre not allowed to throw anything on the court at Wimbledon. Im sure thats a rule and thats why I havent received any. Q. As far as throwing things on the court, from a country where theres a tradition of throwing things on the court, did that offend you? BOUCHARD: Not receiving things? Q. Yes. BOUCHARD: No, it doesnt offend me. Its kind of a bonus type thing if I get it. I dont think it happens very often in tennis. The crazy Genie Army from Australia started it. Ive received it at most tournaments since. But Wimbledon is very proper, so, you know... Q. Its been like six months with the stuffed animals. How many do you have and what are you doing with them? BOUCHARD: I have to go and count. I mean, for sure over 50 because sometimes I get multiple after matches. Although at Wimbledon, maybe theyre not allowed to throw things on court. Im going to go with that since they havent thrown me any on court. But Im going to do something cool with it. Just wait and see. It will be something cool. 9. BLUE BLOOD Q. We know about your familys interest in the Royal family. The Countess of Wessex and a number of other Royals were in the box. Have you played for Royals before? How does it feel? BOUCHARD: First off, I should say parental interest, probably mostly mother. She named us, so I wasnt really aware of what was going on at that time (smiling). I did not know who was in the box. I will get that information later for sure. Q. Youre named after a princess. Do you ever have princess-like tendencies? BOUCHARD: Yes. Q. What are they? BOUCHARD: You can ask my coach or my parents or anyone that I can be a princess (laughter). I mean, theyre not horrible. But I can be moody in the morning. Im not so much of a morning person. My fitness trainer carries my tennis bag around. But thats so I dont get tired because I want to save all my energy for the match. You know, I dont know. I mean, I can demand a few things once in a while, but I do it with love (smiling). Q. You say its your mother that is a bit of a Royal family nut. Why is she? BOUCHARD: Shes kind of like a closet Royalist. I dont know. Theyre very nice names. My younger sister is Charlotte. My younger brother is William, like Prince William. I think theyre all very nice names that can last through generations and can fit for young people and old people, you know. I dont know. I mean, youd have to ask her really. Shes over there. 10. CASE OF THE COUGHER At the end of her third-round win over Andrea Petkovic, Bouchard and the German shared a laugh at the net. Q. You were pointing and laughing at something at the net. BOUCHARD: I asked her if she heard this lady coughing during the match. There was this lady that was really coughing a lot. She was like, I know, I thought she was dying. I was like, I know, I wanted to say something to the umpire, like maybe she should leave and get help. I mean, it was kind of distracting. We were also both like, Whats going on? I think she finally left in the end. Yeah, we both kind of almost felt bad, like, Is she okay? I think shes fine now ... Well, I dont know for sure. Cheap Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys China Wholesale Authentic Jerseys Cheap Jerseys 2018 Cheap Jerseys 2019 NFL Jerseys Wholesale ' ' '