Landon Donovan feels he is ready to make his mark at the World Cup, having matured considerably since 2006.
American forward out to make amends in South Africa
Landon Donovan feels he is ready to make his mark at the World Cup, having matured considerably since 2006.
The Los Angeles Galaxy star has been the leading light for the United States national side for a number of years, but has often flattered to deceive.
He was tipped to have a major impact at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but bowed out of the tournament with a whimper as the USA crashed out at the group stage.
Since then Donovan has repaired his reputation, with loan spells at Bayern Munich and Everton helping to raise his profile in Europe.
At 28 years old he is now preparing to grace his second World Cup, with a nation once again expecting their golden boy to deliver on the biggest stage.
This time around Donovan is confident he will step up to the mark, righting the wrongs of the past and silencing those who continue to question his ability to compete at the very top of the game.
Egotistical
Reflecting on how times have changed since his experiences in 2006, Donovan told the
Telegraph: "That person clearly didn't know who he was, was egotistical, thought that he had already achieved it all.
"I wasn't ready for it. I wasn't genuine enough. I wasn't raw enough. I wasn't real enough to handle it. So when there was a little chink in the armour, then it became a really bad few games for me. I don't blame myself. I don't have regrets. I just didn't know better.
"Now there is some opportunity at this level to show myself that I'm different. There's no pressure, and there's no concern. I know I'm going to do well."
Donovan claims he welcomes the added pressure of being a figurehead for his country and hopes he will revel under that responsibility this summer.
"You get to a point where you find your way again and realise what it all means to you," he said.
"There are expectations from people and that's a good thing, but what is most important to me is what I expect from myself. As I have grown older, I've learned what to expect. I've learned what I can and can't do and to keep things realistic."
