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ESPN staff 6y

Club Leon and Landon Donovan part ways ahead of 2018 Apertura

Landon Donovan and Club Leon are parting ways before the end of his contract, the club announced in a statement on Sunday.

Donovan came out of retirement for a second time in January to join the Liga MX club, but he didn't feature regularly for the club as Leon finished 13th in the 2018 Clausura standings.

The 36-year-old's contract ran through the end of 2018, but the announcement confirmed that he won't compete with the club in the upcoming Apertura this fall.

The Leon statement read in part: "Landon Donovan and Club Leon have agreed to part ways and to not validate the signed contract for next season. During the time that Landon spent with our team, he has been exemplary in all aspects. The Club loses a legendary professional in the world of sports that leaves an indelible mark in our club.

"Each one of the days in which we had the opportunity to work at his side, have been a learning for all of us who are part of Club Leon. Landon's commitment to work with the youth, his humane values, leadership skills and strength to achieve the goals are learnings that we will always treasure.

"Thank you Landon for the courage and character that you showed us. It has been an honour to be a part of your life and untouchable career

"We wish you all the success in future projects that come ahead and we leave the doors of the Club Leon always open for you."

Donovan retired from the LA Galaxy after winning the MLS Cup in 2014 only to come out of retirement and play for the club again in 2016. 

Donovan, who is the joint all-time leading scorer with Clint Dempsey on the U.S. national team, has come under fire in recent days for his involvement in a Wells Fargo ad campaign in which he encourages fans to support Mexico at the World Cup with the Americans having missed out on the tournament in Russia.

The former San Jose and LA forward won six MLS Cups over the course of his career in Major League Soccer -- two with the Earthquakes and four with the Galaxy.

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