US soccer star Donovan says he's done after this season

CARSON, Calif. -- A year after Landon Donovan returned to soccer, he realized he had lost his passion for the sport again. This time, the best player in American history decided to walk away for good.

The 32-year-old Donovan announced Thursday he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the MLS season, wrapping up the most prolific career in the league's history with one last run at a championship with the LA Galaxy.

"I think for the last few years, I haven't had the same passion that I had previously in my career," Donovan said at the Galaxy's stadium. "To some extent, I had felt obligated to keep playing. ... It's time to enjoy the rest of the season, and there would be no better way than to go out as a champion, so that's what I want to do."

Donovan is the top goal-scorer in MLS history and the top scorer in U.S. national team history, excelling as a forward and a midfielder. He was even named the most valuable player of his 14th MLS All-Star game on Wednesday night in Portland, scoring a goal in the All-Stars' 2-1 win over Bayern Munich, only to make his stunning retirement announcement the next day.

"All I could think is that if everyone only knew," Donovan said with a grin.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright reacts after striking out Boston Red Sox' Yoenis Cespedes to strand two runners in the seventh inning during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. (AP Photo/St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Chris Lee) EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER OUT; THE ALTON TELEGRAPH OUT

Donovan, a five-time MLS champion with the Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes, made his retirement announcement on the same stage where he agreed to a multiyear contract extension with the Galaxy just a year ago, pronouncing himself revitalized after an extended sabbatical.

He took several months off following the Galaxy's second straight MLS Cup title alongside now-retired David Beckham in December 2012. Donovan traveled extensively during his time off, and he plans to see even more of the world after his career ends this fall.

"It gets me excited thinking about it," Donovan said. "For 16 years, almost every decision I've made, every hour of every day, has revolved around, ‘How is this going to prepare me for tomorrow's training session or tomorrow's game?' Just having the freedom to do whatever you want is exciting, and I'm looking forward to that."

Donovan has been a key component of MLS' impressive growth during his 14 years in the top North American league. After he struggled for playing time at Bayer Leverkusen as a teenager, he chose to pursue a pro career in his native California instead of Europe, adding a marquee attraction to the then-struggling league.