Sibdane

His statement for those interested: “After careful deliberation and many conversations with those closest to me, I have decided that this will be my last year as a professional soccer player,” said Donovan in a statement. “It has been more than anything I could have dreamed of to represent the LA Galaxy, the San Jose Earthquakes, Everton, U.S. Soccer and Major League Soccer throughout my career. There are so many people I want to thank who have inspired me, guided me and helped me on this incredible journey. “I simply could not have accomplished what I did during my playing career without an overwhelming amount of support from my family, my friends and many others. I plan to express my gratitude to everyone in a more detailed manner at a later date; however, for now, I want to single out the fans. You are the lifeblood of this sport and, without you, none of us would be fortunate to call ourselves professional soccer players in MLS.”

I hate to see him retiring. I feel he still had a lot left to offer, but it's his life to do with what he wants. Wish him well!

I'll take his pace on the left. We still need some cover on the left side... actually we need a solid left winger. He's not my first choice, but if no one else is available I'd take him.

Happy to see this go through. We have some exciting potential talent for the future.

I'm a fan. Great kit.

I Always had high hopes for him. I just hope he doesn't make an impact for Sunderland against us.

...And the whole time we were crying out for Gueye to be given a chance there!

Well, I'm very sad this isn't real.

Maybe, but egos will clash.

Yeah, he's a huge tool. That said, I can't wait until there's a war of words between him and Jose.

I'd have him as back up for Stones.

I'd be very shocked to see him go. This is a non-story to me.

Happy Birthday!

I can't stop thinking about this deal. So excited for the season to start. I feel if we can get a LW, plus another CB, and start playing Pienaar behind the striker, we'll have a great squad to work with.

Pumped beyond words right now... I feel so relieved!!!!

Loads of potential from what I've read about him. It's hard to imagine him being "offered" to us though.

Feeling very optimistic about this right now...

Howard is a champ. I'm glad to see that he's not looking at MLS to retire. I'll be sad to see him retire when it finally does happen.

We received a good fee for him, but I really feel he fit us well. I have no idea what he is doing now though, so maybe I have no idea what I'm saying.

Definitely a bit of both. There haven't been too many Americans who have left and succeeded. It's a curse. They're heroes in MLS, so that's where the comfort factor comes in.

They might pull a "Donovan" and get loaned out in the January window for a month, and we'll only see a glimpse of what they're capable of doing.

Agreed. I can't help but feel they are just too comfortable with SKC to move.

Welcome to the forum. Always nice to have a new member from a new place.

Agreed. I remember watching that match and saying to my girlfriend: "Just watch Chelsea score from this corner," only to see Beckford make me eat my words. Brilliant moment. I honesty think he had more to offer and was disappointed to see him go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO1m7hGb2D8&feature=youtu.be&t=1s