Unknown Soldier said:
I don't know that Donovan really wants to go to Europe now. He's already 28, he may have the 2014 World Cup in him but really beyond that his international career is in it's twilight. He will certainly help us qualify for 2014, not as if that's a challenge or anything, the current CONCACAF arrangement will have USA and Mexico and some 3rd team qualifying in perpetuity.
He doesn't want to improve himself and play against the best day in day out? He proved himself for his short loan spell at Everton, but that was all it was...a short loan spell. I'd love to see him compete week in week out for a whole season and show the world his skill. What else is left for him in MLS? Don't you guys want to see Donovan (potentially) playing in the Champions League again??
As phenomenal as Donovan has been for the U.S. team this cycle, he can always improve. Hell, in 2014, he'll be only what, 31/32? Didier Drogba is currently 32, and he's reaching his peak now! We have more to see from Donovan, but I don't think we'll see it if Donovan stays in the MLS.
Besides, if you people want to improve MLS so much, I think having Donovan playing in Europe would ultimately be good for the MLS. Here's a guy who spent the majority of his professional career playing in the MLS, but he has real skill. People will start thinking, "hmm, maybe the MLS isn't a mickey mouse league," and we'll be able to attract better players. I certainly think it'd be better than blowing our money on players who've gone past their peak (David Beckham, Henry, Blanco, Angel).
Outdoor Miner said:
Props to you man! If only more Americans had that mindset MLS would be much farther along than it is right now. They sit around and complain about the quality while doing nothing to help increase it. They want the world's best to come here before dropping a single dime into MLS and they are fucking idiots to think it works that way.
So let these guys bad mouth the domestic league and let them watch shitty streams of Euro teams while dreaming of one day being able to walk into the Nou Camp or Old Trafford. I'll be downing beers sitting 15 feet away from the pitch supporting my town and my team.
I'd love to know how I can help increase the level of play in the MLS. I'm certainly not spending my hard earned money to watch games that I don't really enjoy in atmospheres that, though sometimes can be fun, are usually drab. The drama in most leagues, especially the English Premiere League, is something the MLS simply don't have. I enjoying seeing the relegation battles and battles for the Champions League much more than seeing teams battle it out for a playoff spot (playoffs in the MLS...ugh).
And I'm not a Euro Snob. My main reason for watching the European leagues in the first place was because my American heroes were playing in it. I love it when I see an American succeed against the best in the world. Supporting my home grown league is great and all, but I'd rather see Americans play in the other leagues.
