Jimmy Conrad on Landon Donovan
U.S. National Team prior to match against Norway in 2006, featuring Kevin Hartman, Jimmy Conrad, Josh Wolff and Kerry Zavagnin among others.Ahead of tomorrow's gigantic battle between the USA and Mexico at Azteca, Kristian Dyer of ESPN takes a look at the evolution of Landon Donovan and why no one can ever call him Landycakes again. The article features a great quote/story from our own captain Jimmy Conrad on Landon's mentality and a funny exchange they shared prior to the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Here's that portion of the article, but definitely read the whole thing:
Players like Kansas City's Jimmy Conrad -- who has played against Donovan in MLS and served as a teammate with him on the national team -- can't quite understand the criticism. Conrad considers Donovan the best player the U.S. has ever produced and says unequivocally that he doesn't "know of a single teammate of Landon's, both in the past and present, who could have anything but positive things to say about his commitment to the game and to his team. The guy wants to win at everything he does."
And he doesn't mind a good joke, either.
About a month before the 2006 World Cup, Conrad was nervously awaiting the announcement of the roster for the tournament. As somewhat of a bubble player, Conrad hoped to make the team, but he wasn't so sure, and he spent an uncertain afternoon instant-messaging Donovan.
Donovan left the instant-message session with Conrad and returned 45 minutes later. According to the Wizards defender, Donovan messaged him saying "Hey, I've got great news." Conrad, thinking Donovan might have heard something, responded to the message, wanting details.
"My heart is pumping wildly while he's typing back because I think he's going to confirm my dream coming true," Conrad said. "He says, 'I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico.'"
Despite their friendship, Conrad claims he would have exacted his revenge on the playing field. The Wizards defender would, however, be named to head coach Bruce Arena's World Cup roster, but the damage was already done. Conrad summed up his thoughts on Donovan.
"What a jerk," he said, with a laugh.
Players like Kansas City's Jimmy Conrad -- who has played against Donovan in MLS and served as a teammate with him on the national team -- can't quite understand the criticism. Conrad considers Donovan the best player the U.S. has ever produced and says unequivocally that he doesn't "know of a single teammate of Landon's, both in the past and present, who could have anything but positive things to say about his commitment to the game and to his team. The guy wants to win at everything he does."
And he doesn't mind a good joke, either.
About a month before the 2006 World Cup, Conrad was nervously awaiting the announcement of the roster for the tournament. As somewhat of a bubble player, Conrad hoped to make the team, but he wasn't so sure, and he spent an uncertain afternoon instant-messaging Donovan.
Donovan left the instant-message session with Conrad and returned 45 minutes later. According to the Wizards defender, Donovan messaged him saying "Hey, I've got great news." Conrad, thinking Donovan might have heard something, responded to the message, wanting details.
"My heart is pumping wildly while he's typing back because I think he's going to confirm my dream coming true," Conrad said. "He says, 'I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico.'"
Despite their friendship, Conrad claims he would have exacted his revenge on the playing field. The Wizards defender would, however, be named to head coach Bruce Arena's World Cup roster, but the damage was already done. Conrad summed up his thoughts on Donovan.
"What a jerk," he said, with a laugh.
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