Landon Donovan hangs his international boots

Landon Donovan hangs his international boots

As USA national team took on Ecuador in an international friendly, the game saw United States most recognized and legendary player bring curtains down on his illustrious career as Landon Donovan appeared one last time for his country against the South American side.

The 32 year old who played 40 minutes was sent of to a standing ovation from the capacity crowd, which had gathered to watch the legend play one last time in the international colours. The winger who has decided to quit all forms of football at the end of the MLS season said:

'We've all put in a lot of work, and we deserve a night like this. What's next? I want to see the world, I want to hang out with my family, and come to games like this.

'I'm forcing myself to take time to get away and relax, but you'll probably see more than me soon.

'I believe that things work out the way they're supposed to. I made a lot of mistakes, but I made them with good intentions, and I think they've served me well.'

Landon retires as USA's record goal scorer with 57 and has another 58 assists to is name.

Landon Donovan in numbers:

• 157 games

• 57 goals

• 58 assists

• 12 FIFA World Cup appearances

• five World Cup goals

Goals vs. country:

Cuba: 8 (4 goals on July 19, 2003, at CONCACAF Gold Cup)Honduras: 6
Mexico: 6
Panama: 4
Costa Rica: 3
Ecuador: 3 (3 goals on March 25, 2007, for international friendly)El Salvador: 3
Scotland: 3 (3 goals on May 26, 2012, for international friendly)Canada: 2
Denmark: 2
Guatemala: 2
Algeria: 1
Barbados: 1
Belize: 1
Brazil: 1
Ghana: 1
Grenada: 1
Italy: 1
Jamaica: 1
Korea Republic: 1
Paraguay: 1
Poland: 1
Slovenia: 1
Sweden: 1
Venezuela: 1
Wales: 1
TOTAL: 57

Goals in competitions:CONCACAF Gold Cup: 19
FIFA Confederations Cup: 2
FIFA World Cup: 5 (Total is U.S. MNT record – 2 in 2002 World Cup, 3 in 2010 World Cup)International friendlies: 19
World Cup Qualifying: 12
TOTAL: 57

Goals by Confederation:AFC: 1
CAF: 2
CONCACAF: 38
CONMEBOL: 6
UEFA: 10

RECORD: Nine goals in one year (tie): Donovan’s 2007 total tied the U.S. MNT record originally set by Eric Wynalda in 1996, and the USA won on all seven occasions when Donovan scored a goal:

• Jan. 20: 1 goal in 3-1 win against Denmark
• Feb. 7: 1 goal in 2-0 win against Mexico
• March 25: 3 goals in 3-1 win against Ecuador
• June 12: 1 goal in 4-0 win against El Salvador
• June 16: 1 goal in 2-1 win against Panama
• June 21: 1 goal in 2-1 win against Canada
• June 24: 1 goal in 2-1 win against Mexico

HONORS:U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year (4): 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010

2000 Young Male Athlete of the Year

2002 FIFA World Cup Best Young Player (20 years old)

Golden Ball at 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship

2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP

2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup leading scorer – 5 goals (tied with Chris
Wondolowski and Panama’s Gabriel Torres)

2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup leading scorer – 3 goals (tied with DaMarcus Beasley, Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz, Honduras’ Wilmer Velasquez and Panama’s Luis Tejada)

2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup leading scorer – 4 goals (tied with Costa Rica’s Walter Centeno)

CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI (4): 2002, 2003, 2005, 2013