Sports fans in San Diego may no longer have an NFL team to cheer for, but Landon Donovan is hoping to convert some of those fans to supporters of the sport he made a name for himself in.
Donovan, arguably the most famous American soccer player in history, told TMZ this week that he is hoping to bring a “sports and entertainment district” and an MLS soccer team to the area where the Chargers played their home games before moving to Los Angeles. He said the residents of San Diego will have an opportunity to vote on whether they want a team and a redesigned area of the city that he compares to the LA Live area where the Staples Center is located.
In addition to hosting a soccer team, Donovan says the proposed plan is for the new venue to be the home of the San Diego State football team and other teams from the school. He says the entire project would be privately financed.
“For us it’s a no-brainer,” Donovan said. “We hope that the people educate themselves and agree.”
As you may know, English soccer legend David Beckham has brought an MLS team to Miami, which will be called Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami and is scheduled to begin play at some point in 2020. Donovan has the same type of vision for San Diego, which could have a market for a team now that the Chargers are gone.
Donovan’s relationship with US Soccer soured when he was left off the World Cup roster in 2014, which has led to some controversy involving him and the sport.
