Today before the MLS Superdraft began, MLS commissioner Don Garber announced the decision of remaining the MVP award after American soccer legend Landon Donovan, calling Donovan's decision to join the league in 2001 "one of the most important milestones in our history."
Hearing today's official announcement that MLS – the league that helped him grow from a bleached-blonde-haired teenager into arguably the greatest American soccer player of all time – had renamed its MVP trophy after him caused a tempest of emotions that he tried to contain throughout his retirement tour last year.
"As a child, soccer was merely an outlet for me -- a way to express myself," Donovan said. "To have this prestigious award named after me is truly unimaginable. Thank you to Commissioner Garber, Major League Soccer and all of the people that have supported me along the way. I am extremely humbled by and proud of this honor."
Donovan won his sole MVP in 2009. He was also an MVP finalist in 2008. He is the league's career leader in goals (144), assists (136) and MLS titles (six), in which he retired just last month from club and country at the age of 32.
LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane won this year's MVP.