Landon Donovan, the most famous soccer player in the U.S., may have been left off the U.S. Team’s roster by coach Jurgen Klinsmann, but that doesn’t mean he won’t take part in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. ESPN announced today that Donovan will work as an analyst during the tournament.
ESPN said that Donovan will contribute from the ESPN/ABC TV Studios in Los Angeles. His first appearance comes in today’s FIFA World Cup Preview special.
Donovan, 32, was a star on the U.S. Men’s National Team as a member of the 2002, 2006 and 2010 squads. He is still the all-time U.S. leader in goals scored and assists, so despite his age, it was still a surprise when he didn’t make the team last month.
“Adding Landon to our ESPN roster just before the World Cup is a coup because he knows the United States team better than anyone having played such a huge role in its success, especially at this event,” Jed Drake, ESPN senior vice president and executive producer, said in a statement. “Landon is also one of this country’s biggest sports stars and we believe that he will help attract even more fans to our month-long coverage.”
ESPN will have Donovan on hand for the U.S.’ key matches in Brazil against Ghana (June 16), Portugal (June 22); and Germany (June 26). He will also appear on Sports Center and ESPN’s special World Cup Tonight series during the tournament.
“I am excited to be joining ESPN’s coverage of the 2014 World Cup from Los Angeles, and I look forward to working with the talented ESPN broadcasters to provide unique insights for our amazing US Soccer fans,” Donovan added.
Donovan recently played for the MLS team LA Galaxy and holds the record for most regular-season goals scored. He has won three MLS championships with the Galaxy and two others with the San Jose Earthquakes.
image courtesy of INFphoto.com