By Ridge Mahoney, Senior Editor
U.S. attacker Landon Donovan is looking forward to a rest from not only the physical demands of playing for club and country but from uncertainty and doubt.
The loan phase of a co-sharing agreement brokered between MLS and Bayer Leverkusen has expired and no one is sure what happens next.
He could be loaned to MLS again, he could be transferred to another club, his rights could be purchased by the league.
Talks conducted by his agent Richard Motzkin, MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis and Bayer officials have been described as cordial yet without resolution.
''I just want to know personally,'' Donovan says. ''Either way, I just want to know.
''Rich is doing the best he can and I'm sure Ivan is, too. Leverkusen has been very cooperative and they're willing to talk, so we'll see.''
The club will likely wait until the European transfer window re-opens next month to see what kind of inquiries it receives from teams. It could also add Donovan to its own playing roster.
Neither Motzkin nor Gazidis will comment on a stipulation in the contract that if no agreement is reached Donovan is obligated to report to Bayer for winter-break training in early January.
''There comes a point where I may not have a choice,'' said Donovan when asked about going back to Germany. ''It's either I go back or I'm not playing soccer any more.''
Donovan has returned to his home in Southern California, where he will stay with his family, celebrate the holidays and not dwell on his predicament.
''I try to think about it as little as possible but it's going to wear on me,'' he says. ''It's my future and where I'm going to be next year.''