AMERICAN footballing legend Landon Donovan sparked controversy earlier this week – by relieving himself on a tree during training with his new team.

Donovan, 36, was filmed peeing during training with Club Leon – who he signed for in January after leaving Los Angeles Galaxy.

3 Landon Donovan was filmed peeing on a tree during Club Leon training Credit: Golders/@Bajio_Deportes

In the video, the American takes a leak up against the tree as his team-mates stretch right in front of him.

This is not the first time ex-Everton man Donovan has been caught relieving himself during training.

He angered Mexican fans when was caught on camera peeing into a bush during the United States training session in Jalisco ahead of a friendly before the 2004 Olympic Games.

He told reporters at the time: "Nature called, and I had to pee."

3 Landon Donovan had already been snapped peeing on a tree once before, for the USA Credit: Golders/Youtube

3 Landon Donovan is now playing for Mexican side Club Leon Credit: AFP

Donovan later apologised to fans of La Fiera who were offended by him relieving himself on their team's ground.

The forward surprised fans when he revealed he would be coming out of retirement to join Mexican side Leon in January.

Leon play in La Liga MX, Mexico's top tier, and Donovan will represent the side until the end of the season.

Donovan has made 157 appearances of the US national team, scoring 57 goals, making him the joint record-goalscorer for the country alongside Clint Dempsey.

Middlesbrough fan arrested for 'weeing in goalie's water bottle'