THE FINAL THIRD

After a less than impressive time at Everton, Jo is heading to Turkey. Manchester City are loaning Brazil international striker Jo to Turkish club Galatasaray until the end of the season.

Manchester City paid CSKA Moscow £19 million for Jo in 2008 but he scored just one league goal and went on loan to Everton for the second half of last season.

To make matter worse Jo has gotten himself in hot water at Everton as he was suspended for taking an unauthorized trip to Brazil. What a mess he has made of his opportunity, I guess we will see if he can turn it around in Turkey but I see him heading back to the homeland sooner than later.

Landon Donovan was supposed to have a news conference to discuss his arrival at Everton but it was cancelled due to the weather. He did get a chance to speak with Everton TV, here is some of the interview.

Landon Donovan is confident his game will suit the rigours of the Premier League.

And the forward acknowledges that playing in England is an entirely different proposition to his previous stints in Germany and the USA.

But he’s studied the Premier League in detail and insists his preference for high tempo football will stand him in good stead.

“I follow the Premier League, all the players in America follow it – like most countries around the World,” Donovan told evertonTV in an exclusive interview.

“It is exciting to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing in some games.”

Donovan was able to take in the second half of Everton’s game against Carlisle in person after jetting in from the States.

And although the league differs from the cup, the American is looking forward to getting involved – and making an impact for Everton.

“I watched the Carlisle game and I can tell the game is a lot faster here, which I like,” he continued.

“I enjoy the faster pace. In Germany in the Bundesliga it was a little different in style so I will have to get used to the style here – but Tim (Howard) and I have had some discussions about it and what I can expect so I think I will be prepared.

“I think the Premier League will suit my style of play. I like a fast paced game. I like to take changes quickly and I think that will suit me here.”

Donovan had a similar loan spell last year when he played for German giants Bayern Munich and while he admits this deal will offer certain personal benefits, he has one main priority.

“My goal is to help Everton win,” he declared. “Personally, I want to get sharp and play some games and enjoy it. I enjoy it when the team wins and being a part of it.

“Tim Howard has had nothing but great things to say about this team so I am excited.”

Los Angeles Galaxy striker Landon Donovan arrived at Everton FC yesterday via Manchester. At The Final Third we are extremely excited to see what Landon can do on his 10 week loan to the Premiership side. It would be amazing to see Landon see some minutes against Arsenal at the Emirates next week. We will be following Landon and his adventure at Everton closely so stay tuned!

As expected Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan’s work permit was approved without a problem. Playing in 75% of your countries full internationals over the past 2 years is the primary requirement and obviously Donovan has that covered. Now we get to see if the pride of the United States, our all time leading scorer can cut the mustard week in and week out in arguably the best league in the world.

We know he as the pace and it is clear that he can score goals in big games for the U.S. National team but playing in the Premier League every week is a whole new world. Coming off a disappointing loss in the MLS Cup Final to Real Salt Lake where he missed a decisive penalty cannot help his confidence. Also, he has not been playing any competitive matches for a few weeks now and prior to that his MLS matches are at a much slower speed of play.

It is going to be very interesting to see how it all plays out especially at Everton who are having a rough one this year. For the sake of the U.S. let’s hope he bags a few goals and stays healthy for South Africa this summer.The

Tim Cahill picking up his morning java with some clean Adidas sneakers and hoodie. Well done Tim, we approve.

spotted at Kickette