Donovan is committed to Galaxy

The player decided to spend one more season at the team, yet will return form the break later

The US international claimed he was mentally exhausted after the previous season in MLS and publicly hinted at possible retirement. LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena insisted that the player will stay at the club in the forthcoming season, saying: “I thought he was going to come back, I think he just needs an extended leave of absence.”

The midfielder missed the start of the preseason and is expected to join the side several days later. Yet Arena was not worried about the player’s absence, explaining: “The older players, they prefer less time in preseason because it wears them down. The younger players can deal with the grind a little bit better.”

Donovan will also miss the 2014 World Cup qualifying fixture against Honduras.