The news broke Thursday morning when Blake Thomsen of The Cauldron first reported that Donovan’s 21-month retirement from MLS was coming to an end. The news was later confirmed by ESPN FC, the Los Angeles Times and Sports Illustrated. According to all reports, Donovan is expected to join the Galaxy immediately, and could be activated for the team’s next match on Sunday against Orlando City SC.
Donovan would hardly be the first athlete to resume his career after announcing a retirement — NFL quarterback Brett Farve returned twice before finally calling it quits in 2011; Mario Lemieux returned to the NHL for three seasons after his retirement, and of course Michael Jordan retired from the NBA twice before playing his final game for the Washington Wizards at age 40.