LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan says he is ready to accept any role in the US World Cup team that will compete in Brazil this June, with the addition of new teammates poised to lead the team for a deep tournament run.
The 32-year old Donovan will be competing in his fourth World Cup, and just like any aging star will have to accept a lesser role on the team. Still, he is looking forward to accepting any role even if it means not being tapped as a starter by coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
"I think I can help in a lot of ways," Donovan told Goal.com via Yahoo! Sports. He recounted how he sees a new perspective from Galaxy teammate Omar Gonzalez who is also part of the US Team. "I'm sort of experiencing the World Cup through his eyes again, and it takes me back to when I was at my first time going to the World Cup. In that way it's a much more enjoyable experience. It's a calmer experience."
His relationship with Klinsmann has been the subject of many controversies ever since the German was named the US head coach in 2011. Last April 2, Donovan was benched by Klinsmann in a game against Mexico after he found the forward not sharp enough during the training prior to the friendly.
"I think we've developed a really good relationship and I think we're very honest with each other. A few weeks ago against Mexico, he was able to communicate in a good way what he saw and what was going on. I don't think that would happen if you hadn't built some trust over the years. The important thing for him and I is to continue to communicate and trust each other."
Donovan has publicly stated that it will be his last World Cup after breaking out in the 2002 edition of the competition in South Korea. However, he has not ruled out retiring from the game.
"I can see the finish line, just not super clearly so I don't know when it will be," Donovan said. "I'm enjoying myself now, and as long as I keep enjoying myself I'll keep playing. If I get to the point where I'm not, then I won't, and that's sort of the way I've always approached it, but now it's in a more immediate way."
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