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Donovan's choice would be the U.S.
But U.S. World Cup star's rights are owned by German team
07-2002
Dallas Morning News
Landon Donovan is 20 years old and everybody wants him.
This year, Donovan has won an ESPY award for "The Best Soccer Player," and is
being fought over by females all over the nation who have dubbed him America
Online's "Crush of the Month."
"The whole thing is fun," Donovan said over a screaming crowd of
autograph-seekers.
But another group of individuals are fighting over Donovan, and it's not for
his boyish good looks-it's for his playing rights.
Donovan's playing rights are held by Bayer Leverkusen of the German
Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen gave San Jose temporary rights to Donovan,
allowing him to play in the MLS until it wanted him back.
After his success in the 2002 World Cup, including scoring two goals, the
poster boy for U.S. men's soccer might have to return to Germany.
"I think the MLS and Bayer Leverkusen are meeting during the All-Star break
to decide my future," Donovan said. "[Bayer Leverkusen] obviously doesn't
want a player who doesn't want to be there."
Now the American star is faced with a decision. In his second season with the
Earthquakes, Donovan has become loyal to the team and welcomes the
opportunity to be closer at home. A native of Redlands, Calif., Donovan is
about an eight-hour drive from his family-unlike the nine-hour difference in
Germany.
He also has bitter feelings toward Bayer Leverkusen.
In 1999, Donovan left his friends and family for the promises of playing
time, big money, and top competition. But Donovan spent his time in Germany
sitting on the bench.
"[Bayer Leverkusen] kinda wrote me off," Donovan said. "Now that I've done
well they want me back again. Obviously I don't want to go because I had a
terrible experience from a soccer standpoint. I never played."
Donovan and his agent have spoken with Bayer Leverkusen and Donovan said that
the club has agreed to do what it can to keep him in America. His ties here
are too strong and Donovan isn't ready to give that up.
"My family comes to every game--every game," Donovan said. "I would miss
that. I would miss them. I can't go back."
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