Everton FC come-back kid Landon Donovan pays tribute to online Blues who persuaded him to return

Dec 31 2011 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

LANDON DONOVAN today paid tribute to the internet army of Everton fans who persuaded him to make his Goodison come-back - as he insisted he is returning a better player.

The United States international has made the switch to Merseyside for a second two-month spell, having done the same in the early part of 2010.

He played 13 matches and scored twice but the American, who turns 30 in March, is confident he returns to the Premier League as an improved performer, after two years of persuasion from Evertonians online.

Donovan is a regular Twitter and Facebook user, and has had almost daily messages from fans enquiring about a second loan spell.

He said: “To be honest, they did as much convincing as anyone. When you see all that every day it’s nice. That’s a plus of the social media world for sure.

“I am really excited to get back here and play. Since being here first time I’ve played in a World Cup and had another couple of years’ experience so I feel more prepared this time.

“I know exactly what I am getting into and exactly what is expected of me and hopefully I can fit in.

“Sometimes I think life is about expectations. Last time there was zero expectations so I can only make up from that.

“I understand there is some level of pressure and expectation but all footballers deal with that.

“I don’t worry about that, I want to enjoy my two months here and the way I play I think I can help the team.”

Donovan captained Los Angeles Galaxy to the MLS Cup this year and had only a fortnight’s break before returning to light training as he knew a move to England was pending.

The forward admitted if he could have come back 12 months ago he would have but after playing at the World Cup in South Africa he felt he needed to use the MLS off-season to recuperate.

“Last year the manager spoke to my agent and asked if I wanted to come back and I really did but my body was pretty beat up and I didn’t think it was the right thing to do,” he added.

“It was whether it made sense. The last thing you want to do is go somewhere when you are not healthy and fit because it doesn’t help you or the team.

“It was difficult to say no but back then I always hoped I’d get another chance and fortunately this year I was able to do it.

“I want to come in and help and you never know what happens but I want to come in and do my job.”

Although he is ineligible for the New Year’s Day trip to West Brom, which could see the return of Jack Rodwell who has trained this week while Marouane Fellaini will definitely miss out, Donovan could come into contention to face Bolton the following week.

As the American, who had his first training session yesterday, is familiar with the club he does not feel he will have any problems slotting back in straightaway.

“To be honest in 2010 when I got here everyone was nice and excited to have me here and I felt like I was home, everyone felt like family,” he said.

“It is an easy place to come to. The word that comes to mind is family.

“You walk around the place and everyone is friendly and are excited to be a part of this club.It is infectious and it is hard not to fall into that.”

David Moyes had hinted that Donovan could be used as a striker to solve his goal-shortage, and the Californian is ready to be deployed almost anywhere.

“To be honest, I’ll play anywhere,” he said. “He probably doesn’t want me in goal, but I’ll play anywhere. If he wants to play me up front, I’ll play there. I’ll play anywhere he thinks I can help.”