MLS chiefs have no intention of allowing Landon Donovan to head to Europe on a permanent deal.
Garber determined to keep national skipper in the States
Major League Soccer chiefs have no intention of allowing Landon Donovan to head to Europe on a permanent deal.
The Los Angeles Galaxy forward has seen his profile rocket over recent weeks after starring for America at the 2010 World Cup.
He is now regarded as a 'hero' back in his homeland, having led by example in South Africa as the United States reached the last 16.
His performances have drawn universal acclaim, which in turn has led to inevitable speculation regarding his future.
Donovan has previously turned out in Europe for Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Everton, but the MLS are reluctant to see him leave again as he only penned a new four-year deal with the Galaxy in December 2009.
"He's become a real football hero," said MLS commissioner Don Garber.
World class
"MLS needs football heroes, and we have a great American football hero playing for us in LA, holding the torch for the sport in our country, and that's very important. I don't believe that it's something we can do without.
"Landon is, in my view, the greatest player of our generation and an incredibly valuable part of our history but also of our future."
Garber has refused to rule out the possibility of Donovan returning to Europe on short-term, off-season loan deals, similar to those he enjoyed at Bayern and Everton, but is adamant no offers for a permanent switch will be considered.
"He proved in England last year on loan and he proved in South Africa that he's a world class player and he's also proved that he loves our league and really has accepted the mantle of really being one of the leaders of the sport.
"It is my hope and my expectation that we will have him for the rest of his career because I think the contributions that he makes are invaluable to our future success."
