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Landon Donovan proves a point with Everton loan

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Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, who also plays midfield for the U.S. national team, told the Everton club’s website that his 10-week loan to the English Premier League club proved that he belonged on the international scene.

‘I’ve proved to myself that I can play against any player in the world and that’s a pretty cool thing to think,’ he said. ‘Where I came from as a young boy, I didn’t have soccer on TV and I didn’t know any teams in the world outside of Manchester United or Real Madrid. To come to this point and do what I’m doing is pretty special.’

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Donovan scored two goals in 13 matches with the England club, helping the side rise from 12th to 9th in the Premier League standings while beating Manchester United and Chelsea. Everton also tied Arsenal. Everton fans voted Donovan the club’s player of the month for January.

‘I’m 28 years old now and I’ve played over 100 times for my country,’ said Donovan, who is returning to Los Angeles. ‘I’ve also played a lot of league games in different parts of the world. But I’ve never met a fan base like this, either playing for them or as an away player.

‘They’ve been absolutely incredible and it’s hard to imagine that they can be that passionate every time you go out — but they care.’

Making his stay more special for the Northwest England club was playing alongside U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, who has been in goal for Everton since 2007.

‘Before I came, I had a lengthy talk with Tim Howard about the club and the manager in particular and Tim has nothing but great things to say about him,’ Donovan said of Everton and Coach David Moyes.

-- Dan Loumena

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