US national team legend will make his final appearance in Friday night’s friendly against Ecuador in Connecticut.
After grabbing a record 57 goals and 57 assists for the United States national side, 32-year-old Landon Donovan is set to bid farewell to an adoring public on Friday evening at the Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
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Despite controversially missing out on the World Cup squad, national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann confirmed the news in a mid-week press release – ending weeks of speculation that Donovan wouldn’t play. Fans have flooded social media to express their delight that the greatest footballer the country has ever produced would not only start the game, but would also be wearing the captain’s armband.
Donovan is expected to play for about thirty minutes before being substituted, though if he is performing well it would be foolish to suggest this would not be extended. A similar situation arose during Cuauhtemoc Blanco’s farewell game for Mexico before the World Cup.
The former Everton and Bayern Munich forward has made 156 appearances since making his international debut in 2000 during a 1-0 win against rivals Mexico, and has also captained the side on numerous occasions. He will retire from club football at the end of the 2014 MLS season.
Kick-off in East Hartford is at 7pm Eastern Time.