Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan has ruled out returning to Everton on loan in January.
Donovan spent time at Goodison Park earlier this year and had been linked with a return to the Premier League. However, the USA international wants to rest in preparation for the new Major League Soccer season.
“While I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me, I feel that it is important to continue to rest and recover this off-season as opposed to going on loan,” Donovan said on Galaxy’s official website.
“I never considered being loaned to a club other than Everton, but I have been playing nearly non-stop for the past two years and I believe that this decision will allow me to perform at my best for the Galaxy and the national team throughout the upcoming year.”
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena confirmed that Donovan would not be going anywhere and agreed that the decision was best for both club and player.
“We think in the best interest of the club and the player that Landon continues his post-season break and begins preparations for what will be a challenging year in 2011 at both the domestic and international levels,” he added.
“We expect Landon to join our club for the start of pre-season training next month as we begin to prepare for the 2011 MLS season.”
