Landon Donovan, Jurgen Klinsmann, USA Soccer: Retiring Star Named Captain by Estranged Coach for Final Game vs. Ecuador

Landon Donovan was famously left off the United States Men's National Soccer Team by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann when this year's roster was announced in May. Thanks to a decision made by U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati, however, Donovan will have one more opportunity to don the Red, White and Blue for his adoring fans when he suits up for the United States' friendly match against Ecuador on Friday. And in a touching move announced on Tuesday, the L.A. Galaxy star will serve as the game's captain for his final U.S. match before he retires from soccer at the end of this season.

#USMNT head coach @j_klinsmann has named @landondonovan captain for #USAvECU in Hartford. #LegenD pic.twitter.com/YYHWoztKkP

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) October 7, 2014

"The more I thought about it, the more I realized this was something that I think would be really special, not only for me to feel and receive, but also my opportunity to say thank you," Donovan told Sports Illustrated of Gulati's invitation to play. "I've met so many people here in L.A. that have said, 'We've booked our flight, we got our tickets, we're going to Hartford to say goodbye to you.' For me that makes it special."

It was also revealed on Tuesday that Donovan will receive 30 minutes of play time on Friday, though it is unclear whether it was Donovan or Klinsmann – or both – who came to that number.

In other news, Klinsmann's teenage son reportedly tweeted a hateful message to Donovan shortly after the news of his omission from the national team had been announced. According to Klinsmann, he asked his son to reach out with an apology, and the son claims that he did. Donovan, however, continues to maintain that he never received one.

Donovan currently holds the U.S. men's record for goals scored with 57. He announced the plans of his retirement via Facebook in August.