Landon Donovan to play with Galaxy again this year, coach says

Landon Donovan plans to return for his ninth season with the Galaxy after spending several weeks weighing whether to call it quits, Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena said Monday.

Donovan, the team’s captain and all-time leading scorer, was not present as Major League Soccer’s reigning champion opened training camp at Home Depot Center, but after practice Arena said Donovan “will be playing in 2013 for the Galaxy.”

Arena said it hasn’t been decided when Donovan, 30, would report to camp, or whether Donovan would be ready to play in the Galaxy’s opener March 3 against the Chicago Fire at home.

“I wouldn’t want to report that now because we still haven’t finalized it,” said Arena, who spoke to Donovan on Sunday night.

“He just needs a little bit more time off,” Arena said. “He’s had a couple of years that have taken their toll.”

Donovan, with 92 regular-season career goals with the Galaxy, had delayed confirming his return while dealing with physical and mental fatigue after playing 49 games in 48 weeks last year. That included helping lead the Galaxy to its second consecutive MLS title.

Arena also said there was nothing to report regarding speculation that the Galaxy might acquire Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard to replace the retired David Beckham.

“When we have some definitive news we’ll mention it,” Arena said. Asked whether Lampard might be mulling offers from several clubs, Arena replied, “I would imagine he’s considering multiple offers.”

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