Donovan joins arena soccer league's San Diego Sockers

[January 25, 2019]    (Reuters) - Former U.S. men's captain Landon Donovan on Thursday announced that he will join Major Arena Soccer League's San Diego Sockers for the remainder of the season.

Donovan, 36, made 157 appearances for the U.S. and is the highest scoring player in their men's World Cup history.

He also played 14 seasons for Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes, where he won six MLS cups and became the league's all-time leading scorer.

The veteran forward has flirted with retirement in the past only to be drawn back to the game and most recently played eight matches for Mexican club Leon last year.

Donovan said the indoor league would suit him better at this point in his career.

"Indoor and outdoor soccer are very different," he said at a press conference on Thursday.

"The thought of playing 90 minutes and running around on an outdoor field is quite daunting when you are about to turn 37," he said.

"The thought of being on the field for 45 seconds or a minute, then coming off and resting, then going back out and doing it again throughout the game is just more feasible at my age. And I think it suits my game well."

Donovan said he was committed to delivering the Pacific division-leading Sockers their 15th MASL title this season.

"I want to make something really clear, especially to my teammates and to (team owner) Phil (Salvagio) -- I'm here to win."

He will make his debut with the Sockers on Feb. 15 when they face the Tacoma Stars.

(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)

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