It's finally happened. After years of speculation, complex contract extensions, intricate loan agreements, and much wailing and gnashing of teeth, Landon Donovan is finally returning to Germany.
Bayer Leverkusen, who owns LD's contract, decided it was time for the Landon to earn his keep and return to the Bundesliga. The Bayer Chairman Reiner Calmund flew out to Boston where the US national team was busy destroying the Honduras 4-0. He had made it clear he had come to the US to tell Landon that Leverkusen wanted him back.
Landon has made it clear over the years that he loathed his time in Germnay. In the handful of interviews I've done with him in the last few years he always maintained that the weather was crap, the people were rude and the quality of life was not what he was looking for. San Jose was his salvation and clearly he's thrived here. But recently he began to make noises about a possible return to Germany. He began to feel that he was at a level that would warrant a first team place with Leverkusen - his omission from the first team in his first stint with Leverkusen was a contributing factor in his desire to return to the U.S.
Now it has happened. Landon will return to Bayer Leverkusen on January 1st, 2005. He seems to be excited about the prospect - "I look forward to my return and the challenge at Bayer 04 Leverkusen." I'm pleased for him. It will certainly be sad to see him leave the Earthquakes but it's about time he is able to use his talents on a larger stage. This will give him the chance to play Champions League soccer and really make a name for himself outside of the U.S.
So good luck Landon, remember us fans back in San Jose when you're scoring goals against Germany's best.