Aston Villa Gets Michael Bradley On Loan; Donovan Doesn’t Want to Play Against Egypt
US National Team midfielder Michael Bradley has been loaned out to Aston Villa of the English Premier League. The deal provides Bradley to show his talents in England until the end of this season, when Villa can then have the option to buy him permanently.
Bradley had been playing with Borussia Monchengladbach in the German Bundesliga, but had seen his playing time decline over the past few months. This past month was a busy one for Bradley, as the rumor mill swirled as to where he would go. There were reports that he was going to Sunderland of the Premier League, but that deal fell through. Then as recently as two days ago, there were reports of Bradley agreeing to terms with Galatassaray of the Turkish League.
But all of those rumors were indeed just rumors, as Bradley could play for Villa as early as Tuesday against Manchester United. This is a great opportunity for Bradley to show the world that he can play in one of the best leagues in the world. He can also prove many doubters wrong, and keep quiet those who say he only plays because his father is the coach of the national team.
Bradley will join fellow Americans Brad Friedel and Eric Lichaj on Aston Villa’s roster. Aston Villa currently sit in 13th place in the Barclay’s Premier League, only six points above the relegation zone.
In other soccer news, in an interview with Goal.com, US National Team Star Landon Donovan said “It’s hard to know now,” when asked if he would return to play for the national team in its February 9th friendly against Egypt. Donovan also added, “If you ask me today, I’d say “No chance” because I’m pretty tired and sore.”
Donovan has been resting for the past three months after playing nearly 18 months straight for both club and country. In my opinion, the fact that he still needs rest is a little suspect. I understand the physical toll that the game of soccer takes on your body, but he hasn’t played a game since the beginning of November. How tired could be possibly be?
He did leave the possibility of playing open though. In the interview he added, “We’ll see how it goes in the next few weeks.” There’s no bigger Donovan fan out there than me, but he’s only 28 years old. It’s not like he’s 35 and at the end of his career. The fans want to see their golden boy whenever they can, and if he doesn’t play against Egypt and all of the other regulars do, there will be a lot of disappointed fans.
