'I don't believe in walls': Landon Donovan out of retirement to play in Mexico

Landon Donovan, widely considered the most accomplished footballer in US history, is coming out of retirement for the second time in three years, this time to join Club León in Mexico.

The Liga MX team announced Donovan’s return to football on Twitter on Friday night. Donovan will play for Leon in the Mexican Clausura tournament, although more details on his signing were not provided.

Donovan has spent the past three days in Leon, raising speculation that he might join the club. He also tweeted Friday about joining Club León, saying he was excited to face former US team-mate and current CF Pachuca player Omar Gonzalez next month.

“I loved the city, León is an historic and winning team,” Donovan wrote in Spanish, before appearing to aim a shot at Donald Trump’s vow to build a barrier on the US-Mexico border. “I don’t believe in walls, I want to go to Mexico, dress in green and win tournaments in Leon. See you soon.”

Donovan is the third player signed by León for the Clausura tournament along with Argentinian Emanuel Cecchini and Jamaica international Giles Barnes.

The 35-year-old is the career scoring leader in Major League Soccer and for the US national team. He returned to the LA Galaxy in September of 2016 following a 21-month retirement and appeared in nine games for the MLS club. He hasn’t played professionally since November 2016.

Donovan played in three World Cups: South Korea and Japan 2002, Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010. He also played in six Gold Cups and won four titles. He scored 57 goals playing for the US team and 145 in the MLS. Donovan has done broadcast work since retiring and was rumored to be considering a run for US Soccer Federation president. Donovan announced in November that he would not seek the position.