Laurie is right. America is a team that is quite comfortable with being loved and hated.

Lando has been a target of hatred, but from what I observed, it stemmed out of statements he made earlier in his career and out of perceived arrogance. Lately, he has taken a more “professional” tone when it came to Mexico. In turn, Mexican fans in general went from outright hatred for the guy to more of a annoyed and grumpy attitude with some respect for his talent. I’m not saying its a lovefest now, there’s still pissy people out there who equates Lando with the devil or something…

Anyway, I wouldn’t discredit the rumor yet. Rumor’s been out there for a while, but gained traction again after MLS Cup. I would rephrase it, though, as: Club America to seek out Donovan. And don’t get it wrong, America has the money to make any MLS player rethink his contract. And club owner Michel Bauer stated that he will seek him out seriously (considering that players like Salvador Cabanas are looking to go to Europe soon).

And if Donovan’s goal is to land in Europe again, then this may be his best chance. Plenty of footballers played in the Mexican League before jumping off to Europe. If he jumps to Europe now, he won’t be a starter, unless he joins a weaker team with lesser pay (not the goal). A strong season down Mexico way + a strong World Cup could give him a better shot towards European glory. Plus the pay is better, the season starts in early Jan with the pre-Libertadores cup and a chance to play a few games in South America if America wins a place in the Libertadores tournament against Brazillian and Argentine teams (which is another Bauer goal)

And so what if he pissed in Jalisco’s grass. That’s not sacred ground. Not to me at least. In fact if he did that again as an America player in the Classico against Chivas, he would actually endear himself to the Azulcremas fans even more!

Also, the relationship between Mexico and Donovan is complex – he is hated because he is talented and respected. If he sucked, he’d just be laughed at. If Blanco did not score goals and draw fouls, would he attract your ire?

The biggest story is how a star player like Donovan can have a bad enough agent to allow for “league option years” in a contract. Basically, those little paragraphs are a “we own you and will not give you a raise if you play well” clauses.

One would have to ask you to get a firm grasp on the English language, because that’s not what we’re discussing here.

edgar: I suppose there are many Mexicans who like Donovan, but from what most people in football have experienced, Mexicans of all kinds hate him. It’s not like you can just talk a lot of trash, and piss on holy soil and expect to be well-liked.

Way to shoot the messenger, son. I’m only statin’ the facts as I’ve observed them over my years of blogging.

Its nice to see that the mentally challenged football fans still thrive.

>hated largely for his inabilty as a young guy to stick it out in >a big league.

Wow, I thought the line about him being “adored and reviled” in the US was stupid but this one took the cake? A guy who is the heart of the national team and who is the image of the MLS is HATED because he couldnt stick in europe?
Are you serious or do you not grasp the english language.
I could maaaaybe see if you said people were dismissive of him beause of his euro adventures but hated?
Buy a dictionnary.

Get over it people, players from different countries play in… different countries. Argentinians even play in…. England!!!!

Donovan in Mexico could be a very good idea, he could be close to home and the national team and play at a higher caliber and in Mexico he is well known name. He goes to a euro team and he is just another anonymous international player, nothing more.

Of course would you want to go and play in a urine loving sports culture if you werent into golden showers?