United States forward Landon Donovan has spoken of his sadness and surprise at being left out of the World Cup squad.
The LA Galaxy forward was dropped by Coach Jurgen Klinsmann after a training camp, the former Germany striker and Coach saying he felt Donovan was on the decline.
Donovan disputed the Coach’s comments, AS reports, adding he feels he deserves to be in the squad for the tournament.
“I’m sad, that’s the reality, it was a bad surprise, a bad dream,” Donovan said.
“I didn’t expect to be out of the World Cup. I believe I deserve as much as anyone to be going to Brazil.
“I look in the mirror and I don’t think [he’s declining]. Not only do I deserve to be in the World Cup for what I’ve done as a player but in the 10 days of work with my colleagues at Stanford [the site of the training camp], I proved I was in great shape.
“I worked hard and the rest of the players wanted me on the team.
“I disagree with the decision, I don’t think it was correct, but that’s life. Sometimes things don’t go as you expect and you move on, even if you’re sad.
“The decision has surprised me, I’m disappointed, very sad, but I’m not angry.”
Donovan added that he has been offered encouragement from a range of people and insisted he would support the team regardless, refusing to retire from international football.
“The response I have received from colleagues, ex-players and fans has made me feel better,” he continued.
“Now I support the team and hope they do well in Brazil and I am convinced they will.”
