'I feel I deserve to be there': Landon Donovan stunned to be dropped from US World Cup team

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan talks to media after a soccer training session at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., Saturday, May 24, 2014. Donovan, the most accomplished American player in the history of men's soccer, won't be going to his fourth World Cup. The 32-year-old attacker was among seven players cut Thursday when coach Jurgen Klinsmann got down to the 23-man limit well before the June 2 deadline. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) (The Associated Press)

Los Angelese Galaxy forward Landon Donovan juggles a soccer ball during a training session at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., Saturday, May 24, 2014. Donovan, the most accomplished American player in the history of men's soccer, won't be going to his fourth World Cup. The 32-year-old attacker was among seven players cut Thursday when coach Jurgen Klinsmann got down to the 23-man limit well before the June 2 deadline. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) (The Associated Press)

CARSON, Calif. – Landon Donovan is surprised and disappointed by U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to drop him from the World Cup roster.

Donovan also disagrees with Klinsmann's assertion that other American players were a step ahead of the 32-year-old attacker. In fact, Donovan thought a strong performance in U.S. training camp had earned him a chance to play a significant role for the Americans in Brazil, perhaps even as a starter.

Klinsmann's decision was still sinking in when a saddened Donovan returned to work with the LA Galaxy on Saturday instead of preparing for his fourth World Cup.

While Donovan says he would gladly return to the team if an injury created a spot on the 23-man roster, he's urging fans to support the current squad.